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Development of neuromuscular synapses.

M R Bennett

    Physiological Reviews
    |July 1, 1983
    PubMed
    Summary

    Nerve terminal function in muscles is influenced by terminal branch number and release site size. Muscle activity and nerve growth factors (NGF) regulate synaptic site formation and quantal secretion, impacting motor unit plasticity.

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    Area of Science:

    • Neuroscience
    • Muscle Physiology
    • Cell Biology

    Background:

    • Quantal secretion at mature neuromuscular junctions depends on terminal branch number and release site size.
    • The length of synaptic branch loops (SBL) influences terminal branch formation during reinnervation.
    • Motoneuron terminal branching is limited by transport of specific factors (TF) from the soma.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate how muscle activity and nerve growth factor (NGF) influence synaptic site formation and quantal secretion.
    • To understand the mechanisms regulating motor unit plasticity and terminal arborization.
    • To explore the developmental plasticity of axon terminals in response to muscle innervation.

    Main Methods:

    • Analysis of synaptic structure and function in mature and developing neuromuscular junctions.
    • Investigating the role of neurotrophic factors like NGF in regulating terminal branching and synaptic site formation.
    • Studying the impact of altered motor unit size and muscle activity on quantal release and terminal morphology.

    Main Results:

    • Muscle inactivity or decreased motor unit size enhances NGF release, stimulating terminal branching and synaptic site formation.
    • Increased terminal branching and occupation of synaptic branch loops (SBL) correlate with enhanced quantal release per terminal.
    • The availability of NGF is critical for stabilizing terminals and enabling increased quantal release, while TF availability supports new terminal formation.

    Conclusions:

    • Motor unit plasticity involves dynamic regulation of synaptic structure and function, influenced by muscle activity and neurotrophic support.
    • NGF and TF play crucial roles in adapting neuromuscular junctions to changing physiological demands, including reinnervation and altered activity levels.
    • The secretory capacity of axon terminals is adaptable and depends on interactions with muscle cells, affecting both terminal number and individual release site efficiency.

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