ABSTRACT
A study of the mechanisms underlying neurotransmitter release in nerve terminals is of fundamental importance, both in the healthy and in the diseased state. In this chapter we highlight the concept of the secretory system safety-latch a preferable target for neurotoxins. We discuss the safety latches in the secretory system, specifically those in fast release synapses. Secretion is a continuous cyclic process, along which there are several sensitive “check points” that are essential in controlling the exocytotic cycle. We describe α-latrotoxin, a toxin that alters one or more neurotransmitter release safetylatches and, consequently, causes uncontrolled and unsynchronized vesicle release.
