Presynaptic Ca super(2+) channels: a functional patchwork

• Published in: Trends in neurosciences (Regular ed.) Vol. 26; no. 12; pp. 683 - 687
• Main Authors: Reid, CA, Bekkers, J M, Clements, J D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01-12-2003
• ISSN: 0166-2236
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2003.10.003

A key step in the release of neurotransmitter is the entry of Ca super(2+) into the presynaptic terminal via voltage-activated Ca super(2+) channels. N-type and P/Q-type Ca super(2+) channels play a predominant role but, surprisingly, their distribution across presynaptic terminals lacks any apparent order. They form a patchwork: at some terminals only N-type channels contribute to transmitter release and in others only P/Q-type channels contribute, but in many terminals both sub-types are active. The physiological implications of this non-uniform distribution are starting to emerge. Recent studies reveal that G-protein-mediated depression of N-type channels is stronger than that of P/Q-type channels, whereas voltage-dependent relief of inhibition is more pronounced for P/Q-type channels. The patchwork distribution of Ca super(2+) channel subtypes might therefore enable terminal-specific modulation of transmitter release, enhancing the power of synaptic processing.