Correlation between nerve terminal size and transmitter release at the neuromuscular junction of the frog

TLDR

Intracellular recordings of end‑plate potentials were obtained in low‑calcium, high‑magnesium solution, followed by cholinesterase staining to measure individual end‑plate areas. The study found that larger end‑plate areas were positively correlated with greater muscle fibre diameter, higher mean quantum content, and increased frequency of spontaneous miniature end‑plate potentials, indicating that transmitter release is related to nerve terminal size. No additional information.

Abstract

1. End-plate potentials were recorded intracellularly at the frog neuromuscular junction bathed in a solution containing a low concentration of calcium and a high concentration of magnesium.2. The muscle was subsequently subjected to ;cholinesterase staining', and the area of the individual end-plates, studied with intracellular electrodes, was measured.3. A positive correlation was found between the end-plate area and the diameter of muscle fibres.4. The mean quantum content (m) showed a positive correlation with the size of end-plates.5. The frequency of spontaneous miniature end-plate potentials was positively correlated with m as well as with end-plate area.6. It is concluded that the amount of transmitter released following nerve stimulation is related to the size of nerve endings.