Sensory Hair Cells: Synaptic Transmission

ISBN-13: 9783642779213 / Angielski / Miękka / 2011 / 194 str.

Georgij N. Akoev; Yurij N. Andrianov

Opis

The acousticolateral system plays an important role in the biological activity of vertebrates. It includes the organ of Corty, the vestibular and otolith apparatus, lateral-line organs and electroreceptors. Throughout the acousticolateral system, the sensory receptors are hair cells. Provided here is a comprehensive overview of current research on synaptic transmission in sensory hair cells. Morphological characteristics are presented and data on the properties and selectivity of various ionic channels are given. The mechanisms of neurotransmiter release from hair cells and the postsynaptic responses of afferent fibres are described and the role of excitatory amino acids is analyzed.

Spis treści

1 Anatomy of the Mechano- and Electroreceptors of the Acousticolateral System.- 1.1 The Organ of Corti.- 1.2 Semicircular Canals.- 1.3 The Otolith Organs.- 1.4 Lateral-Line Organs.- 1.5 Electroreceptors.- 1.5.1 Ampullary Receptors.- 1.5.2 Tuberous Receptors.- 2 Electrophysiological Analysis of Synaptic Transmission in Hair Cells.- 2.1 Electrical Characteristics of Hair Cells. Receptor Potentials.- 2.2 Ionic Mechanisms of Receptor Potential Generation.- 2.3 The Functional Properties of Hair Cells of Ampullary Electroreceptors.- 2.3.1 Electrical Sensitivity of Electroreceptors.- 2.3.2 Temperature Sensitivity of Electroreceptors.- 2.4 Electrical Responses of the Postsynaptic Membrane.- 2.5 The Effect of Ions on Synaptic Processes.- 3 The Mode of Action of Amino Acid-Using Synapses.- 3.1 Release of Amino Acids.- 3.2 The Mechanisms of Neurotransmitter Release.- 3.3 A Transmitter Inactivation Mechanism.- 3.4 Characteristics of Amino Acid Binding Sites.- 3.5 Pharmacology of Amino Acid Receptors.- 3.6 The Mode of Action of Excitatory Amino Acids.- 4 Pharmacology of Synaptic Transmission in Receptors of the Acousticolateral System.- 4.1 The Organ of Hearing.- 4.2 The Vestibular Apparatus.- 4.3 Lateral-Line Organ.- 4.4 Electroreceptors.- Conclusion.- References.