synaptosome
A synaptosome is a subcellular particle enriched from brain tissue that represents a pinched-off nerve terminal. It is formed during gentle tissue homogenization followed by differential and density-gradient centrifugation. Each synaptosome is a sealed, resealed presynaptic bouton containing synaptic vesicles, cytoplasm, and portions of the presynaptic membrane, and it may retain a fragment of the postsynaptic membrane with receptors.
Synaptosomes are typically prepared from mammalian brain regions such as cortex or hippocampus and are enriched
Applications of synaptosomes are widespread in neurochemistry and pharmacology. They are used to study neurotransmitter transporters
Limitations include the loss of intact neuronal circuits and postsynaptic signaling, potential heterogeneity in preparations, and
See also: synaptoneurosome, synaptic vesicle, postsynaptic density.