A synaptosome is an isolated synaptic terminal from a neuron. Synaptosomes are obtained by mild homogenization of nervous tissue under isotonic conditions and subsequent fractionation using differential and density gradient centrifugation.

What is in synaptosomal fraction?

Synaptosomes are a subcellular fraction prepared from brain tissue by homogenization followed by fractionation on the basis of size or density. They exhibit a large fraction of resealed postsynaptic entities fused to presynaptic portions of the synapse.

What do Synaptosomes do?

Synaptosomes are commonly used to study synaptic transmission in the test tube because they contain the molecular machinery necessary for the uptake, storage, and release of neurotransmitters. In addition they have become a common tool for drug testing.