Synaptic vesicle recycling

Abstract

The mechanism of synaptic vesicle recycling has been hotly debated for more than 30 years. The various mechanistic models are presented, and the evidence supporting each model is discussed. It is now well accepted that endocytosis rates span an enormous range and are highly dependent on exocytosis rates. It is also well accepted that clathrin-mediated endocytosis plays a major role in synaptic vesicle recycling. However, it remains to be determined whether endocytic pathways with dramatically different rates operate using the same or different molecular mechanisms. © 2007 Springer-Verlag US.