Laser-pulse photolysis studies of chemical reactions in the brain

George P. Hess

doi:10.1117/12.306110

24 April 1998 Laser-pulse photolysis studies of chemical reactions in the brain

George P. Hess

Proceedings Volume 3273, Laser Techniques for Condensed-Phase and Biological Systems; (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.306110
Event: Optoelectronics and High-Power Lasers and Applications, 1998, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

Membrane-bound receptor proteins regulate the transmission of signals at the junctions between cells of the mammalian nervous system. Upon binding a specific neurotransmitter these receptor proteins form transient channels through which inorganic ions flow, leading to a change in the transmembrane voltage of a cell. A newly developed laser- pulse photolysis technique, with a microsecond(s) time resolution, allows one to determine the rate constants for both the formation and closing of the transmembrane channel, the dissociation constant for the ligand-binding site that controls channel opening, and the concentration of the receptor in the cell membrane, and gives information about the rate of transient inactivation of the receptor. The technique allows one to determine the binding constants of inhibitors to the closed- and open-channel forms independently. THe use of the chemical kinetic method is illustrated.

Citation Download Citation

George P. Hess "Laser-pulse photolysis studies of chemical reactions in the brain", Proc. SPIE 3273, Laser Techniques for Condensed-Phase and Biological Systems, (24 April 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.306110

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