Synaptosomes: A Functional Tool for Studying Neuroinflammation

Synaptosomes are subcellular components isolated from nerve terminations that can be prepared by homogenizing brain tissue in isotonic sucrose solution followed appropriate centrifugation. Their preparation technique has a long history since synaptosomes were first endings and described Gray Whittaker 1962. The of produces presynaptic boutons alone or combination with fragments postsynaptic membranes. Interestingly, contain organelles vesicles express native channels, receptors, transporters. At 37 °C, these metabolically active synthesize release neurotransmitters. They actively used to investigate neurotransmission, its actors, the mechanisms neurotransmitter release. To date, many functional non-functional applications have been documented. Due their versatility, study neuroinflammatory processes.