Tracking vesicle fusion from hair cell ribbon synapses using a high frequency, dual sine wave stimulus paradigm

Abstract

Recent experiments describe a technique for tracking membrane capacitance during depolarizations where membrane conductance is varying. This is a major advance over traditional technologies that can only monitor capacitance when conductance is constant because it gives direct information regarding release kinetics from single stimulations. Presented here is additional data supporting the use of this technology with multiple conductances being active including BK-Ca-activated potassium channels, SK Ca-activated potassium conductances and also the rapidly activating sodium conductance. It goes further to illustrate the ability to monitor rapid capacitative changes. And finally, it points out the need to evaluate single step responses because of the use-dependent movement of vesicles.