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Related Experiment Videos

Presynaptic calcium dynamics at the frog retinotectal synapse

M B Feller1, K R Delaney, D W Tank

  • 1Biological Computation Research Department, Lucent Technologies, Murray Hill, New Jersey 07974, USA.

Journal of Neurophysiology
|July 1, 1996
PubMed
Summary

This study quantifies presynaptic calcium (Ca2+) dynamics in frog optic nerve fibers using microfluorimetry. Results show Ca2+ influx is constant per action potential, with observed signal reduction due to indicator saturation, not altered influx.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cellular Physiology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Presynaptic calcium (Ca2+) influx is critical for neurotransmitter release.
  • Understanding Ca2+ kinetics in nerve terminals is essential for elucidating synaptic transmission.
  • Previous studies lacked precise measurements of Ca2+ dynamics in unmyelinated optic nerve fibers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the kinetics of presynaptic Ca2+ concentration changes in frog optic nerve fibers and terminals.
  • To investigate the relationship between Ca2+ transients and postsynaptic potentials.
  • To determine the impact of Ca2+ buffering and channel blockers on Ca2+ dynamics.

Main Methods:

  • Microfluorimetry using the Ca2+ indicator fura-2 AM in isolated frog optic nerve and tectum.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Optic nerve stimulation and measurement of fluorescence transients and postsynaptic field potentials.
  • Application of glutamate receptor antagonists, Ca2+ channel blockers, and Ca2+ chelators (BAPTA, EGTA).

    • Main Results:

    • Optic nerve stimulation evoked rapid Ca2+ transients in presynaptic terminals, correlated with postsynaptic potentials.
    • Ca2+ influx per action potential remained constant during stimulation trains, with observed signal reduction attributed to fura-2 saturation.
    • Voltage-gated Ca2+ influx was primarily mediated by omega-conotoxin GVIA-sensitive channels.

    Conclusions:

    • Presynaptic Ca2+ transients in frog optic nerve fibers reflect influx into terminals.
    • Fura-2 saturation can lead to underestimation of Ca2+ influx during high-frequency stimulation.
    • Specific voltage-gated Ca2+ channels play a significant role in presynaptic Ca2+ dynamics.