Exocytosis from large dense-core vesicles

In compare to small clear synaptic vesicles (SSVs), the method for release from large dense-core vesicles (LDCVs) takes longer and has a higher affinity for calcium (half-maximal release takes place at about 0.4 µM), as only a small amount of Ca2+manages to diffuse to the LDCVs, that are some distance from the active zone. Therefore exocytosis of amines and peptides takes place with a delay of about 50 ms and only in response to high frequency firing of the neuron that causes high levels of calcium influx.