Regulation of exocytosis in neurons and neuroendocrine cells

Curr Opin Neurobiol. 2004 Oct;14(5):522-30. doi: 10.1016/j.conb.2004.08.008.

Abstract

Neurons communicate with one another through the release of molecules from synaptic vesicles and large dense core granules through the process of exocytosis. During exocytosis, molecules are released to the extracellular space through a fusion pore, which can either dilate, resulting in full fusion, or close, resulting in incomplete exocytosis, often referred to as 'kiss and run' exocytosis. Recently, there has been much interest in the regulation of this process in both neurons and neuroendocrine cells. There has been much recent work that addresses the existence of incomplete exocytosis in neurons and neuroendocrine cells, as well as recent work probing the molecular components and modulation of the fusion pore.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Central Nervous System / physiology*
  • Exocytosis / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Membrane Fusion / physiology
  • Neurosecretory Systems / physiology
  • Presynaptic Terminals / physiology*
  • Secretory Vesicles / physiology
  • Synaptic Transmission / physiology*
  • Synaptic Vesicles / physiology