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Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Simultaneous Pre- and Post-synaptic Electrophysiological Recording from Xenopus Nerve-muscle Co-cultures
Published on: March 11, 2013
[Mechanisms controlling axonal sprouting at the neuromuscular junction]
S d'Houtaud1, K Buffenoir, E Sztermer
1Service de neurochirurgie, CHU La-Milétrie, 2, rue de la Milétrie, BP 577, 86021 Poitiers cedex, France. samuel.dhoutaud@gmail.com
Abstract:
This paper explores the specific roles of sprouting stimuli, perisynaptic Schwann cells and neuromuscular activity in axonal sprouting at the neuromuscular junction in partially denervated muscles. As for sprouting stimuli, insulin-like growth factor II which is generated from inactive muscle fibers in partially denervated and paralysed skeletal muscle is described. Likewise, perisynaptic Schwann cells can induce and guide axonal sprouting in partially denervated muscles. Finally, excessive neuromuscular activity significantly reduces bridging of the perisynaptic Schwann cell processes between denervated and innervated endplates and thereby inhibits axonal sprouting in partially denervated muscle. The lack of neuromuscular activity is also harmful in axonal sprouting, probably by impeding calcium influx into the nerve.
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