Stimulation- and calcium-dependence of vesicle attachment sites in the presynaptic membrane: a freeze-cleave study on the lamprey spinal cord.

Abstract Vesicle attachment sites (VAS) were identified in presynaptic profiles of aldehyde-fixed, freeze-cleaved spinal cord of the sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus . The numbers of VAS per profile increased significantly after incubation in high K in the presence of Ca, but not in high K, Ca-free fluid. Similarly, electrical stimulation increased the number of VAS above control values. Plasmalemmal vesicles were observed much less frequently, but they also increased after the two types of stimulation. These results support the hypothesis that VAS represent a morphologically distinct stage in the release of transmitter. Other structures identified were unique large particles in glial membranes bordering the surface of the cord and gap junctions at some synapses of large axons.

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