Tetanic and post-tetanic rise in frequency of miniature end-plate potentials in low-calcium solutions. 1971

R Miledi, and R Thies

1. Miniature end-plate potentials (min.e.p.p.s) were recorded intracellularly from frog neuromuscular junctions.2. The ;phasic' release of transmitter which is directly related to nerve impulses was suppressed by withdrawal of Ca from the external medium plus addition of Mg.3. Under these conditions, min.e.p.p.s continued to be discharged even when EGTA was added, although in this case min.e.p.p. frequency appeared to decrease to about half the rate in normal Ringer.4. Tetanic stimulation of the nerve approximately doubled the rate of min.e.p.p.s even in Ca-free solutions with EGTA added.5. The tetanic increase in frequency was greater without EGTA and greater still with some Ca added. Therefore, it is concluded that the tetanic rise in min.e.p.p. frequency can occur even in the absence of the immediate ;phasic' release of transmitter normally induced by nerve impulses; and that the magnitude of the increase is related to Ca concentration.A possible relation between ;phasic' and ;residual' effects of nerve impulses is described.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D002118 Calcium A basic element found in nearly all tissues. It is a member of the alkaline earth family of metals with the atomic symbol Ca, atomic number 20, and atomic weight 40. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and combines with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth. It is essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation (as factor IV) and in many enzymatic processes. Coagulation Factor IV,Factor IV,Blood Coagulation Factor IV,Calcium-40,Calcium 40,Factor IV, Coagulation
D000818 Animals Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA. Animal,Metazoa,Animalia

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