The Effect of Impure Tetanus Toxin on the Frequency of Miniature End-Plate Potentials

Abstract

SUMMARY: A partially purified preparation of tetanus toxin raised the frequency of the random appearance of miniature end-plate potentials in the isolated hemithorax of the mouse. The ratio of the peripheral to the central activity was increased by removing the greater part of the centrally acting tetanospasmin by specifically adsorbing the tetanospasmin out on protagon. The activation energy of the peripheral effect was 7 kcal. higher in the presence of toxin than in its absence. The peripheral effect can be neutralized with antitoxin.