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Quantal parameters of transmission at the frog neuromuscular junction

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Summary

Estimates of quantal release parameters at frog neuromuscular junctions showed that alterations in [Ca2+]0 affected m (number of quanta), p (probability of quantal release) and n (stores of quanta available for release). The effect of [Ca2+]0 depended upon the initial value for p. When p was low, raising [Ca2+]0 increased m and p, but not n. However, when p was large, raising [Ca2+]0 had no further effect on p but increased m and n. During prolonged repetitive nerve stimulation to cause a decrease in m, n was decreased and p was increased. This finding was attributed to a failure of transmitter mobilization to maintain the stores of transmitter available for release.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmacology, University of Connecticut, Health Center, 06032, Farmington, Connecticut, USA

    Robert L. Volle & Dimitrie D. Branisteanu

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  1. Robert L. Volle
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  2. Dimitrie D. Branisteanu
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Supported by grant NS-07540-08 from the Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke, N.I.H., U.S.P.H.S.

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Volle, R.L., Branisteanu, D.D. Quantal parameters of transmission at the frog neuromuscular junction. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Arch. Pharmacol. 295, 103–108 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00499440

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00499440

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