Major progresses in the study of the cellular and molecular basis of synaptic transmission of nerve cells are highlighted. Each individual contribution gives an overview of the subject, presenting a description of the technical approach and considering future perspectives of the developments in the field. Topics range from historical aspects of the development of biochemical studies on synaptic transmission to the most advanced techniques applicable in morphological and functional studies of the nerve terminal. Studies on synaptic vesicles, the regulation of presynaptic transmitter synthesis, transmitter-release and especially the molecular structure and function of presynaptic ion channels and of transmitter receptors offer a detailed insight into synaptic events.

Inhalt

Development of the Subject and State of the Art.- The Cellular Basis of Synaptic Transmission: An Overview.- Structural Organization of the Synapse and Dynamics of Synaptic Organelles.- Specializations of Subsynaptic Cytoplasms. Comparison of Axospinous Synapses and Neuromuscular Junctions.- New Evidence Supporting the Vesicle Hypothesis for Quantal Secretion at the Neuromuscular Junction.- Poststimulation Increase of Synaptic Vesicle Number in the Preganglionic Nerve Terminals of the Cat Sympathetic Ganglion In Vitro.- Synaptic Vesicle Classes in Torpedo and Skate Electric Organ and Muscle.- Effect of Nerve Stimulation, K+ Saline and Hypertonic Saline on Classes of Quanta, Quantal Content and Synaptic Vesicle Size Distribution of Torpedo Electric Organ.- Fine Structural Correlates of Calcium Dynamics in the Presynaptic Terminal.- Differential Release of Transmitters and Neuropeptides Co-Stored in Central and Peripheral Neurons.- Presynaptic Regulation of Transmitter Synthesis and Release.- The Detection, Isolation and Properties of Sub-Populations of Mammalian Brain Synaptosomes of Defined Neurotransmitter Type.- Excitatory Amino Acids; Physiology, Anatomy and Biochemistry.- Synaptosomal Bioenergetics and the Mechanism of Amino Acid Transmitter Release.- Heterologous Carriers Located on Rat CNS Nerve Endings and their Possible Role in the Modulation of Transmitter Release.- Spontaneous Release of Acetylcholine from Torpedo Electromotor Neurons.- The Mechanism of Acetylcholine Release: Its Essential Component, the Mediatophore.- Structure and Function of Presynaptic Ion Channels.- Potassium Channels in Rat Brain Synaptosomes: Pharmacology and Toxicology.- Calcium Channels and Na+/Ca2+Exchange in Synaptosomes.- Properties of Presynaptic Voltage-Sensitive Calcium Channels in Rat Synaptosomes.- Mechanisms of Failure of Synaptic Transmission During Anoxia.- Molecular and Functional Organization of Synaptic Vesicles.- Adrenergic and Cholinergic Vesicles: Are there Common Antigens and Common Properties?.- Structure and Function of Synaptic Vesicles: New Aspects.- Complexity and Regulation in the Acetylcholine Storage System of Synaptic Vesicles.- Synaptic Vesicle Proteins.- Synaptophysin: a Major Cell Type-Specific Vesicle Protein of Neuroendocrine Cells.- Cotransmitters: Cellular Location, Function and Metabolism.- The New Paradigm: Sympathetic Neurotransmission by Lateral Interaction between Single Mixed Quanta Acting in Two Different Biophases.- Sympatho-Adrenal Co-Storage, Release and Synthesis of Enkephalins and Catecholamines Induced by Acute CNS Ischemia in Pig.- Extracellular Metabolism of ATP at the Cholinergic Electromotor Synapse: Characterization and Location of Ectonucleotidases.- The Application of Immunoaffinity Techniques to the Study of Cholinergic Neurobiology.- Transmitter/Modulator Induced Events Related to Excitation-Contraction Coupling in Skeletal Muscle of Vertebrates. Action of ATP.- Identity and Functional Role of Neuropeptides in Torpedo Electric Organ.- Neurotransmitter Receptors.- Mechanisms Regulating the Expression and Function of Acetylcholine Receptor.- Antibodies as Probes of the Structure of the Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor.- Brain ?-Neurotoxin-Binding Proteins and Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors.- Human Neuroblastoma Cells: An In Vitro Model for the Study of Mammalian Neuronal Nicotinic Receptors.- Molecular Biology Approaches to the Function and Development of CNS Synapses.- Recent Studies on Opioid Receptors.