Vesicular Release Mechanisms in Neurons
Ryan Johnson
https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev-biophys-060414-034057
Introduction
In previous chapters we have been discussing the structure and functions of certain organelles and their connection to a neuron. When looking at how the nervous system is able to be functioning at the most efficient and the ability for the brain to process information it is important to discuss how neurons are able to communicate. The brain is able to send an impulse to a certain area of the body by neurons. An impulse is sent through the nerves which consist primarily of neurons. When neurons communicate, the process in which they will send and receive impulses is through a process of vesicular releasing. There are four steps in which one neuron is able to communicate with another neuron. Those steps are called docking, priming, fusion, and recycling of a vesicle. The first step is Docking of one neuron to another.
Docking
In the previous chapter ” Organelles ” there is discussion of what the synaptic vesicle is and its job. In the vesicular releasing mechanism it has an important role when it comes to docking. Docking is the process of one neuron connecting to another. The process of docking is initiated by the synaptic vesicle nearing the active zone of another neuron. This active zone is located at the synapses of a neuron. As the neurons align they are not physically connected rather they are in the same zone allowing the neuron to be primed and send the impulse.
Priming
Neural Priming is the next step in this process of sending impulses between cells. Priming is the process of the neurons becoming more excitatory and readily able to send impulses between cells. As the cells are more primed they are able to become more effective and efficient in sending impulses.
Fusion
One of the most important steps in the vesicular releasing mechanism of a neuron is Fusion. This process is done when synaptic vesicles are combined with the cell membrane of a neuron. Now that the cells are fused together, important neurotransmitters are sent into the adjacent neuron. The area in which this information is received in the neuron is the synaptic cleft. After this information is received the neuron is able to process it and send it to the next neuron.
Recycling of Vesicle
The final step of this process of neurons communicating is recycling of a vesicle. After the neurotransmitters have been sent and received, retrieval of the synaptic vesicles from the neuron is the last step. The recycling comes into play as the vesicles have been retrieved and return to the original neuron they are then filled with neurotransmitters and are prepared to send another impulse and the process is repeated.