G. Tsen et al., Receptors with opposing functions are in postsynaptic microdomains under one presynaptic terminal, NAT NEUROSC, 3(2), 2000, pp. 126-132
Fast excitatory synaptic transmission through vertebrate autonomic ganglia
is mediated by postsynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), We
demonstrate a unique postsynaptic receptor microheterogeneity on chick para
sympathetic ciliary ganglion neurons-under one presynaptic terminal, nAChRs
and glycine receptors formed separate but proximal clusters. Terminals wer
e loaded with [H-3]glycine via the glycine transporter-1 (GlyT-1), which lo
calized to the cholinergic: presynaptic terminal membrane; depolarization e
voked [H-3]glycine release that was calcium independent and blocked by the
GlyT-1 inhibitor sarcosine. Ganglionic synaptic transmission mediated by nA
ChRs was attenuated by glycine. Coexistence of separate clusters of recepto
rs with opposing functions under one terminal contradicts Dale's principle
and provides a new mechanism for modulating synaptic activity in vivo.