Bulk endocytosis

Bulk endocytosis refers to a form of endocytosis of synaptic vesicles at nerve terminals. In bulk endocytosis, compared to clathrin-mediated endocytosis, a larger area of presynaptic plasma membrane is internalised as cisternae or endosomes from which multiple synaptic vesicles can subsequently bud off. Bulk endocytosis is activated specifically during intense stimulation, such as during high-frequency trains of action potentials or in response to membrane depolarization by high extracellular concentrations of potassium.