Synaptic-Like Vesicles and Candidate Transduction Channels in Mechanosensory Terminals

The study from 2015 investigated the role of synaptic-like vesicles (SLVs) and candidate transduction channels in mechanosensory terminals, particularly in muscle spindles, hair follicles, and baroreceptors. It found that SLVs secrete glutamate, which regulates stretch sensitivity through an atypical glutamate receptor (PLD-mGluR). This system was essential for maintaining mechanosensory function over long periods and suggested potential therapeutic targets for conditions like hypertension and muscle spasticity. The research also identified various ion channels, including Na+, Ca2+, and K+ channels, as crucial for mechanotransduction, proposing a model where stretch triggers both ion fluxes and glutamate secretion. Further research was needed to validate these findings and explore clinical applications.