Sympathomimetics regulate quantal acetylcholine release at neuromuscular junctions through various types of...

The studies of the interaction between the sympathetic and motor nervous systems are extremely relevant due to therapy for many neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disorders involving adrenergic compounds. Evidences indicate close contact between sympathetic varicosities and neuromuscular synapses. This raises questions about the effects of catecholamines on synaptic transmission. The currently available information is contradictory, and the types of adrenoreceptors responsible for modulation of neurotransmitter release have not been identified in mammalian neuromuscular synapses. Our results have shown that the α1A, α1B, α2A, α2B, α2C, and β1 adrenoreceptor subtypes are expressed in mouse diaphragm muscle containing neuromuscular synapses and sympathetic varicosities. Pharmacological stimulation of adrenoreceptors affects both spontaneous and evoked acetylcholine quantal secretion. Agonists of the α1, α2 and β1 adrenoreceptors decrease spontaneous release. Activation of the α2 and β1 adrenoreceptors reduces the number of acetylcholine quanta released in response to a nerve stimulus (quantal content), but an agonist of the β2 receptors increases quantal content. Activation of α2 and β2 adrenoreceptors alters the kinetics of acetylcholine quantal release by desynchronizing the neurosecretory process. Specific blockers of these receptors eliminate the effects of the specific agonists. The action of blockers on quantal acetylcholine secretion indicates possible action of endogenous catecholamines on neuromuscular transmission. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which clinically utilized adrenomimetics and adrenoblockers regulate synaptic vesicle release at the motor axon terminal will lead to the creation of improved and safer sympathomimetics for the treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases with synaptic defects.