Synaptic functions and synaptic membrane lipids in the aging brain

摘要

Synapses are functional units of the neuronal network that perform brain activities. The principle processes that take place at synapses are synthesis and storage of neurotransmitters, release of the transmitters following Ca~(2+) influx induced by membrane depolarization and reuptake of transmitters. Those synaptic activities take place by means of concerted actions of membrane-embedded ion channels, transporters, enzymes and membrane fusion reactions. This suggests that synaptic membranes play important roles in controlling synaptic functions.