Neurotransmitter secretion

Neurotransmitter secretion is the complex biological process by which signaling molecules are released from a presynaptic neuron into the synaptic cleft to communicate with a post-synaptic cell or effector organ. This mechanism primarily involves the calcium-triggered fusion of neurotransmitter-filled synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic plasma membrane, a step facilitated by the assembly of the SNARE (Soluble NSF Attachment Protein Receptor) protein complex [1][3]. This process is highly regulated by various proteins, including synaptotagmin, which acts as a calcium sensor, and Munc18-1, which coordinates vesicle docking and priming [3]. Dysregulation of neurotransmitter secretion is central to the pathogenesis of numerous neurological and psychiatric conditions, such as epilepsy, Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, and schizophrenia [4][5]. Pharmacological agents commonly target specific components of the secretion machinery; for example, botulinum toxins inhibit secretion by cleaving SNARE proteins to treat neuromuscular disorders, while other drugs target vesicular transporters or presynaptic calcium channels to modulate neurotransmitter availability and release [2][5].

Other names

Neurotransmitter releaseSynaptic vesicle exocytosisSynaptic transmissionVesicular neurotransmitter release

Modulation occurs through the proteolytic cleavage of SNARE proteins (SNAP-25, Syntaxin, or Synaptobrevin), inhibition of vesicular neurotransmitter transporters (VMAT, VAChT), or blockade of N-type voltage-gated calcium channels required for exocytosis triggering.