Neurotransmitter release mechanisms in sympathetic neurons: Past, present,and future perspectives

In 1969, Paton and Vizi (1) described the inhibitory actions of noradrenali ne on acetylcholine release from the innervation of the guinea-pig ileum lo ngitudinal muscle. They concluded "that acetylcholine output by the nervous networks of the longitudinal strip is under the normal control of the symp athetic by a species of presynaptic inhibition mediated by; receptors". Thi s work was carried out in the Pharmacology Department at Oxford University. Clearly, a period in the 'Dreaming Spires' of Oxford sufficiently inspired Sylvester to take up a life long career in scientific research. He has pub lished more than 300 papers on a wide range of topics but clearly has a str ong interest in neurotransmitter release mechanisms and recently, non-synap tic interactions between neurons. It seems fitting therefore to write a bri ef review on the continuing studies on neurotransmitter release mechanisms in sympathetic neurons in a volume honoring the now distinguished Professor Vizi.