varicosity
Definition
Target type: cellularcomponent
Non-terminal inflated portion of the axon, containing the specialized apparatus necessary to release neurotransmitters. [GOC:nln]
A varicosity is a localized dilation or swelling along an axon, specifically a nerve fiber. It's a specialized structure that plays a crucial role in synaptic transmission, the communication between nerve cells. Within a varicosity, you'll find a concentrated collection of synaptic vesicles, tiny membrane-bound sacs that contain neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers that allow signals to be passed from one neuron to another. The varicosity itself is enveloped by the axonal membrane, and it's often positioned near the target cell, allowing for efficient release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft, the narrow space between the varicosity and the target cell. Furthermore, varicosities may contain various organelles, such as mitochondria, which provide energy for the process of neurotransmitter synthesis and release. The cytoskeletal components within a varicosity contribute to its structural integrity and help maintain the positioning of the synaptic vesicles. In essence, the varicosity acts as a specialized compartment within the axon, specifically designed to store, synthesize, and release neurotransmitters, facilitating effective communication between neurons.'
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Proteins (2)
| Protein | Definition | Taxonomy |
|---|---|---|
| Diacylglycerol lipase-alpha | A diacylglycerol lipase-alpha that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:Q9Y4D2] | Homo sapiens (human) |
| Corticotropin-releasing factor-binding protein | A corticotropin-releasing factor-binding protein that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P24387] | Homo sapiens (human) |
Compounds (16)
| Compound | Definition | Classes | Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| cannabinol | Cannabinol: A physiologically inactive constituent of Cannabis sativa L. | dibenzopyran | |
| 1,6-bis(cyclohexyloximinocarbonyl)hexane | 1,6-bis(cyclohexyloximinocarbonyl)hexane: selective inhibitor of canine platelet diglyceride lipase | carbamate ester; organonitrogen compound | |
| cannabichromene | 1-benzopyran | ||
| (6ar-trans)-isomer of tetrahydrocannabivarin 9 | |||
| delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid | Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid : A diterpenoid that is 6a,7,8,10a-tetrahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromene substituted at position 1 by a hydroxy group, positions 6, 6 and 9 by methyl groups and at position 3 by a pentyl group. A biosynthetic precursor to Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol, the principal psychoactive constituent of the cannabis plant. | benzochromene; diterpenoid; hydroxy monocarboxylic acid; phytocannabinoid; polyketide | anti-inflammatory agent; biomarker; metabolite; neuroprotective agent |
| cannabidiolic acid | cannabidiolic acid : A dihydroxybenzoic acid that is olivetolic acid in which the hydrogen at position 3 is substituted by a 3-p-mentha-1,8-dien-3-yl (limonene) group. cannabidiolic acid: structure | dihydroxybenzoic acid; phytocannabinoid; polyketide; resorcinols | |
| cannabidiol | cannabidiol : An cannabinoid that is cyclohexene which is substituted by a methyl group at position 1, a 2,6-dihydroxy-4-pentylphenyl group at position 3, and a prop-1-en-2-yl group at position 4. Cannabidiol: Compound isolated from Cannabis sativa extract. | olefinic compound; phytocannabinoid; resorcinols | antimicrobial agent; plant metabolite |
| orlistat | orlistat : A carboxylic ester resulting from the formal condensation of the carboxy group of N-formyl-L-leucine with the hydroxy group of (3S,4S)-3-hexyl-4-[(2S)-2-hydroxytridecyl]oxetan-2-one. A pancreatic lipase inhibitor, it is used as an anti-obesity drug. Orlistat: A lactone derivative of LEUCINE that acts as a pancreatic lipase inhibitor to limit the absorption of dietary fat; it is used in the management of obesity. | beta-lactone; carboxylic ester; formamides; L-leucine derivative | anti-obesity agent; bacterial metabolite; EC 2.3.1.85 (fatty acid synthase) inhibitor; EC 3.1.1.3 (triacylglycerol lipase) inhibitor |
| cannabigerol | cannabigerol : A member of the class of resorcinols that is resorcinol which is substituted by a (2E)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dien-1-yl group at position 2 and by a pentyl group at position 5. It is a natural product found in Cannabis sativa and Helichrysum species. cannabigerol: RN given refers to (E)-isomer; structure given in first source | phytocannabinoid; resorcinols | anti-inflammatory agent; antibacterial agent; antioxidant; appetite enhancer; cannabinoid receptor agonist; neuroprotective agent; plant metabolite |
| cannabigerolic acid | cannabigerolic acid : A dihydroxybenzoic acid that is olivetolic acid in which the hydrogen at position 3 is substituted by a geranyl group. A biosynthetic precursor to Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol, the principal psychoactive constituent of the cannabis plant. cannabigerolic acid: structure in first source | dihydroxybenzoic acid; diterpenoid; phytocannabinoid; polyketide; resorcinols | |
| pexacerfont | pyrazolopyridine | ||
| CAY10435 | oxazolopyridine | ||
| ly2183240 | LY2183240: structure in first source | biphenyls | |
| cannabidivarin | cannabidivarin: from Cannabis sativa | monoterpenoid | |
| omdm 169 | OMDM 169: has antinociceptive activity; structure in first source | ||
| am 6701 |