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Using Caged Compounds to Map Functional Neurotransmitter Receptors

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Ion Channel Localization

Part of the book series: Methods in Pharmacology and Toxicology ((MIPT))

Abstract

As amply demonstrated by each of the chapters of this volume, location is an integral part of the physiological function of ion channels. Neurotransmitter receptors may represent an extreme example of this important concept, because these receptors must be targeted—within an accuracy of nanometers—in order to detect the release of neurotransmitters from presynaptic terminals. However, it has been challenging to visualize the location of receptors that are within the plasma membrane, as opposed to being within transport vesicles or other intracellular sites. It has been even more challenging to examine the functional properties of selected populations of receptors on the plasma membrane. Here we describe experiments that allow the use of “caged” neurotransmitters for these purposes.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. NIEHS-NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC

    Diana L. Pettit

  2. Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC

    George J. Augustine

Authors
  1. Diana L. Pettit
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  2. George J. Augustine
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

    Anatoli N. Lopatin

  2. Washington University Medical School, St. Louis, MO

    Colin G. Nichols

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© 2001 Humana Press Inc., Totowa, NJ

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Pettit, D.L., Augustine, G.J. (2001). Using Caged Compounds to Map Functional Neurotransmitter Receptors. In: Lopatin, A.N., Nichols, C.G. (eds) Ion Channel Localization. Methods in Pharmacology and Toxicology. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1385/1-59259-118-3:349

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1385/1-59259-118-3:349

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-89603-833-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-59259-118-3

  • eBook Packages: Springer Protocols

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