An important step for cholinergic transmission involves the vesicular storage of acetylcholine
(ACh), a process mediated by the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT). In order to …

We have characterized the morphological and functional properties of the readily releasable
pool (RRP) and the reserve pool of synaptic vesicles in frog motor nerve terminals using …

We review the pharmacological actions of toxins present in the venom of the aggressive
spider Phoneutria nigriventer. 2. This venom is rich in toxins that affect ion channels and …

The vesicular acetylcholine (ACh) transporter (VAChT) mediates ACh storage by synaptic
vesicles. However, the VAChT-independent release of ACh is believed to be important during …

Using light and serial electron microscopy, we show profound refinements in motor axonal
branching and synaptic connectivity before and after birth. Embryonic axons become …

This review article gives an overview of a number of central neuro-transmitters, which are
essential for integrating many functions in the central nervous system (CNS), such as learning, …

Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by prominent loss
of neurons in the striatum and cortex. Traditionally research in HD has focused on brain …

Recent work has provided compelling evidence that increased levels of acetylcholine (ACh)
can be protective in heart failure, whereas reduced levels of ACh secretion can cause heart …

Calcium ions play fundamental roles in many cellular processes in virtually all type of cells.
The use of Ca 2+ sensitive fluorescent indicators has proven to be an indispensable tool for …

Background Cholinergic dysfunction occurs during aging and in a variety of diseases, including
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, it remains unknown whether changes in …