An electrical synapse, or gap junction, is a mechanical and electrically conductive synapse, a functional junction between two neighboring neurons. The synapse is formed at a narrow gap between the pre- and postsynaptic neurons known as a gap junction.

Gap junctions contain precisely aligned, paired channels in the membrane of the pre- and postsynaptic neurons, such that each channel pair forms a pore (Figure 5.2A). The pore of a gap junction channel is much larger than the pores of the voltage-gated ion channels described in the previous chapter.

20 hours ago · Explore the distinct roles and structures of tight and gap junctions in cellular communication and tissue organization. ... They are essential in cardiac tissue, where they facilitate the rapid propagation of electrical impulses necessary for synchronized heart contractions. Gap junctions also play a pivotal role in embryonic development by ...

Nov 26, 2024 · Electrical synapses are formed by two communicating cells whose neighboring cell membranes form an intercellular channel called a gap or communicating junction. Gap junctions allow direct diffusion of molecules and ions between presynaptic and postsynaptic cells.

Two different strategies are responsible for electrical communication between neurons. One is the consequence of low resistance intercellular pathways, called “gap junctions”, for the spread of electrical currents between the interior of two cells.

Gap junctions are aggregates of intercellular channels that permit direct cell–cell transfer of ions and small molecules. Initially described as low-resistance ion pathways joining excitable cells (nerve and muscle), gap junctions are found joining virtually all cells in solid tissues.

In this review, we focus on functional methods that can detect gap junctional coupling, first briefly summarizing current approaches relying on electrophysiological recording, tracer-based assays, and hybrid methods using genetic tools (Figure 1), …

The electrical synapse is a gap junction consisting of a field of connexin pores that pass ions and signaling molecules directly from one cell to another without passing through the extracellular fluid.

Sep 1, 2000 · Gap junctions are membrane channels that mediate the cell-to-cell movement of ions and small metabolites. In the heart, gap junctions play an important role in impulse conduction. Studies over the last decade have revealed that gap junctions are encoded by a multigene family known as the connexins.

In an electrical synapse, membrane depolarization in presynaptic cells passes directly to the postsynaptic cells via gap junctions. Gap junctions are bidirectional and allow ionic current to pass in either direction.