Functional Structure of the Post-Synaptic Membrane in the Myoneural Junction.

Abstract

Many books concerning the synapase have recently appeared: Synaptic Transmission by McLennan, The Physiology of Synapses by Eccles, The Motor Endplate by Zacks, in addition to a host of other books which devote a considerable portion of their fare to junctional transmission. The question than arises whether this new book by Csillik fills an important gap in our understanding, thereby serving a useful purpose. In this compact monograph Csillik discusses four major problems, the solution of which is of vital importance if we are to understand neuromuscular transmission: (1) What molecular alterations occur in the postsynaptic membrane during activity? (2) What essential changes in membrane structure or chemistry account for denervation hypersensitivity? (3) Where does acetylcholinesterase (AChE) of myoneural junction derive from? (4) Are functional differences between slow and fast muscles related to differences in the postsynaptic membrane? In attempting to answer these problems, the author has drawn mainly upon