LEAD IONS AND SYNAPTIC TRANSMISSION IN THE SUPERIOR CERVICAL GANGLION OF THE CAT

Abstract

1 In the perfused superior cervical ganglion of the cat manganese ions (2.7 - 4.6 mM) caused a block of synaptic transmission and reduced the output of acetylcholine.2 Calcium ions (8.4-10.5 mM) relieved the synaptic block produced by manganese and partially restored the acetylcholine output.3 The presence of manganese also reduced the sensitivity of ganglion cells to injected acetylcholine.4 Both effects of manganese were completely reversible.