Figure 6.

Diagrammatic representation of synaptic release with no cross-talk, synaptic release with cross-talk, and non-synaptic release with volume transmission and cross-talk in neurons that produce oxytocin (OT) or arginine-vasopressin (AVP). Synaptic release of OT or AVP is produced by action potentials (AP) that activate an influx of extracellular calcium (Ca²⁺) through voltage sensitive Ca²⁺ channels. Non-synaptic release of OT or AVP is produced by the release of Ca²⁺ from endogenous stores (e.g., endoplasmic reticulum (ER)).