Redistribution of intramembrane particles related to acetylcholine release by cholinergic synaptosomes

Acetylcholine release was measured on suspensions of pure cholinergic synaptosomes, isolated from torpedo electric organ. Transmitter release was triggered by two different methods: KCl depolarization, or action of a venom extracted from a polychaete annelid Glycera convoluta . This venom was known to increase considerably the miniature endplate potential frequency at neuromuscular junctions. Ultrarapid freezing of synaptosomes in suspension in the absence of fixation, followed by freeze fracture, permitted us to show: (1) That the venom does not trigger the appearance of endo-exocytotic pits in the presynaptic membrane, in contrast to KCl depolarization. (2) That both KCl depolarization and venom action lead to a decrease in the number of small P-face intramembrane particles and to an increase in the number of medium-sized E-face particles. In addition, the venom increased the number of medium-sized P-face particles. The redistribution of the intramembrane particles is discussed in relation to the release of transmitter which has been measured in parallel.