Catecholamines, insulin and ACTH increase quantal size at the frog neuromuscular junction

Brain Res. 1986 Jun 25;376(2):378-81. doi: 10.1016/0006-8993(86)90203-9.

Abstract

The size of miniature end-plate potentials (m.e.p.p.s) and miniature end-plate currents (m.e.p.c.s) at frog neuromuscular junctions was increased by a factor of two or more following treatment with norepinephrine, epinephrine, a cAMP derivative, insulin or ACTH. The increase in size was reversible. These agents do not appear to alter the ACh noise spectrum or the reversal potential of the end-plate. They do not alter the binding of alpha-bungarotoxin. Therefore they may increase the quantity of acetylcholine (ACh) in a quantum.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / pharmacology*
  • Animals
  • Anura
  • Catecholamines / pharmacology*
  • Epinephrine / pharmacology
  • Insulin / pharmacology*
  • Membrane Potentials / drug effects
  • Motor Endplate / drug effects
  • Neuromuscular Junction / drug effects*
  • Norepinephrine / pharmacology
  • Receptors, Cholinergic / drug effects

Substances

  • Catecholamines
  • Insulin
  • Receptors, Cholinergic
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
  • Norepinephrine
  • Epinephrine