On the dynamics of synaptic vesicles: effects on the rate of neurotransmitter release.

Release of transmitter substances during synaptic communication in a biological process of great importance, and it is worthwhile to ascertain the basic molecular events underlying this process. We present a minimal model of synaptic vesicle (SV) dynamics, with which most of the major experimentally observed features of evoked neurotransmitter release can be reproduced. The effect of different parameters on the time course of evoked release as well as the effect of repetitive stimulation on this model system has been examined.