The effects of extracellular concentrations of Mg2+ on the non-quantal release of acetylcholine (ACh) from nerve terminals was studied by extra- and intracellular electrophysiological methods. Anticholinesterase-treated mouse diaphragms were used in vitro. In the presence of Ca2+, the non-quantal release was maximal in the absence of Mg2+ and was inhibited by 3 mmol/l Mg2+. The inhibitory effect of Mg2+ was antagonized by ouabain and was absent in Ca2+-free (EGTA) solutions. The non-quantal release of ACh was found to be more sensitive to inhibition by Mg2+ than the quantal one which was measured as the amplitude of miniature endplate currents.

Institute of Physiology Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences Prague

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The effects of nerve terminal activity on non-quantal release of acetylcholine at the mouse neuromuscular junction