Control of Neurohormone Release at Nerve Endings

神经科学的一个基本问题是描述控制神经递质和神经激素在神经末梢释放的机制。这些机制对于神经细胞之间的交流和神经系统的健康和功能至关重要。尽管钙在释放中的重要性已经得到了很好的证实，但其作用的细节却知之甚少。本研究项目旨在定量研究钙电流与细胞内钙浓度之间的关系。此外，受体介导的钙电流调节及其对细胞内钙水平的影响将被直接评估。电生理技术结合钙敏感的微荧光光谱法，荧光指示剂将用于监测细胞内钙水平。将开发技术，允许同时监测神经激素释放从单个末梢。这项研究将有助于更好地了解调节脊椎动物神经末梢神经激素释放的分子成分的性质和作用。

A fundamental problem in the neurosciences is the characterization of the mechanism(s) controlling the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones at nerve endings. These mechanisms are crucial to nerve cell communication and to a healthy, functioning nervous system. Although the importance of calcium's role in release has been well established, details in its action are poorly understood. This research project is designed to examine, quantitatively, the relationship between calcium currents and intracellular calcium concentrations. Moreover, receptor mediated regulation of the calcium current and its effect on intracellular calcium levels will be directly evaluated. Electrophysiological techniques combined with microspectrofluorometry of calcium sensitive, fluorescent indicators will be used to monitor intracellular calcium levels. Techniques will be developed to allow simultaneous monitoring of neurohormone release from single endings. This research will lead to a better understanding of the properties and actions of molecular components regulating neurohormone release from vertebrate nerve endings.