The role of V-ATPase in neuronal and endocrine systems

J Exp Biol. 1992 Nov:172:171-8. doi: 10.1242/jeb.172.1.171.

Abstract

Synaptic vesicles have important roles in the neural transmission at nerve terminals: the storage and the controlled exocytosis of neurotransmitters. At least two different factors are responsible for the concentration process: the vacuolar-type H(+)-ATPase (V-ATPase), establishing an electrochemical gradient of protons, and specific transport systems for transmitters. We will discuss our recent progress on the energy-transducing systems in synaptic vesicles: (1) structural aspects of V-ATPase; (2) energy coupling of transport of transmitters; (3) reconstitution of transporters; (4) effects of neurotoxins and neuron blocking agents; (5) function of synaptic-vesicle-like microvesicles from endocrine tissues.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Triphosphatases / chemistry
  • Adenosine Triphosphatases / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Molecular Structure
  • Neurosecretory Systems / enzymology*
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / metabolism
  • Synaptic Vesicles / enzymology
  • Vacuolar Proton-Translocating ATPases*
  • Vacuoles / enzymology

Substances

  • Neurotransmitter Agents
  • Adenosine Triphosphatases
  • Vacuolar Proton-Translocating ATPases