... and neurodegeneration in HD is not yet clear. Are there early specific functional synaptic changes preceding symptoms and neurodegeneration? What is the role of those changes in neuronal damage? Recent experiments in a Drosophila model of HD have showed that abnormally increased neurotransmitter release might...

... as sensors for fine changes in intracellular Ca 2+ levels. We conclude that intraterminal Ca 2+ ic stores may, directly or indirectly, enhance neurotransmitter release following nerve terminal depolarization and/or G-protein-coupled receptor activation. During conditions that prevail following neuronal...

...S. Hilfiker Ca 2+ ions play a crucial role not only as the trigger for neurotransmitter release, but also in other aspects of brain function, such as short-term and long-term modulation of synaptic efficacy, which may underlie certain forms of learning and memory. The actions of Ca 2+ are mediated...