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Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Physiological Recordings of High and Low Output NMJs on the Crayfish Leg Extensor Muscle
Published on: November 18, 2010
Fatigue at the neuromuscular junction. Branch point vs. presynaptic vs. postsynaptic mechanisms
1Department of Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Abstract:
There are several pre- and postsynaptic sites where neuromuscular transmission failure (NTF) can occur, leading to peripheral muscle fatigue. Presynaptic sites of NTF include: axonal branch point conduction block; a failure of excitation-secretion coupling at the presynaptic terminal; reductions in quantal release of ACh; and reductions in quantal size. Postsynaptic sites of NTF include: cholinergic receptor desensitization; and reduced sarcolemmal excitability. Susceptibility to NTF increases with stimulation frequency and is most prevalent in fatigable fast-twitch motor units. In addition, susceptibility to NTF varies with age and with conditions of altered use.
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