Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 5, 2026

Methods for the Modulation and Analysis of NF-κB-dependent Adult Neurogenesis
Published on: February 13, 2014
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor inhibits neuromuscular junction maturation mediated by inTracellular Ca(2+) and
Wei Song1,2, Xiwan Albert Jin2
1Peking University Health Science Center, Mailbox 045, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.
Introduction:
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) inhibits neuromuscular junction (NMJ) maturation. In this study we investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms of this process.
Methods:
We used a patch-clamp technique to measure spontaneous synaptic currents (SSCs) from innervated muscle cells in Xenopus nerve-muscle cocultures.
Results:
In the presence of Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent kinase (CaMK) inhibitor KN93, SSC amplitude (226.3 ± 26.5 pA), frequency (30.9 ± 10.1 events/min), and percentage of bell-shaped amplitude distributions (47.1%) were reversed to control levels (286.7 ± 48.2 pA, 26.2 ± 5.8 events/min, and 47.1%, respectively). Depletion of intracellular Ca(2+) by BAPTA-AM or thapsigargin had similar reversal effects to KN93. In addition, cotreatment with both 2-APB (IP3 receptor inhibitor) and TMB-8 (ryanodine receptor inhibitor) also reversed the inhibitory effects of BDNF, as shown by the physiological parameters.
Conclusions:
CaMK mediates the inhibitory effects of BDNF on NMJ maturation. Ca(2+) released from intracellular stores through either IP3 receptors or ryanodine receptors regulates neurotrophic actions on NMJ maturation.
More Related Videos
12:18The Neuromuscular Junction: Measuring Synapse Size, Fragmentation and Changes in Synaptic Protein Density Using Confocal Fluorescence Microscopy
Published on: December 26, 2014
10:53Real-time Imaging of Axonal Transport of Quantum Dot-labeled BDNF in Primary Neurons
Published on: September 15, 2014
Related Concept Videos
Neuromuscular Junction And Blockade
Directly Acting Muscle Relaxants: Dantrolene and Botulinum Toxin
The binding of dantrolene to the RYR1...
Calmodulin-dependent Signaling
The Ca2+-CaM complex does not have enzymatic activity by itself. Instead, the complex binds downstream target proteins, including membrane proteins or enzymes,...
Relaxation of Skeletal Muscles
When an action potential reaches the axon terminal, it depolarizes the membrane and opens voltage-gated sodium channels. Sodium ions enter the cell, further depolarizing the presynaptic membrane. This depolarization causes voltage-gated calcium channels to open....
The Neuromuscular Junction
Nondepolarizing (Competitive) Neuromuscular Blockers: Mechanism of Action
Competitive antagonists prevent acetylcholine from binding to its receptor, inhibiting membrane depolarization. Without conformational changes or intrinsic...