The effect of the ant venom neuropeptide--poneratoxin (PoTX)--on neuromuscular transmission in rat diaphragm tissue was studied by means of intracellular recordings of spontaneous miniature endplate potentials (MEPPs) and of nerve evoked endplate potentials (EPPs). A 2 microM concentration of PoTX caused a pronounced but transient increase in MEPPs frequency. Moreover, within the first few minutes of PoTX administration, the area, rise time and half decay time of MEPPs gradually decreased, reaching steady values after 15-20 min. The alteration of the area, rise time and half decay time of EPPs after PoTX application was similar to that observed for MEPPs. We conclude that PoTX affects neuromuscular transmission in rat tissue, and suggest that PoTX could exert both pre- and postsynaptic effects.
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J Cell Sci
January 2025
Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis MN, USA.
Cytoplasmic dynein is essential in motoneurons for retrograde cargo transport that sustains neuronal connectivity. Little, however, is known about dynein's function on the postsynaptic side of the circuit. Here we report distinct postsynaptic roles for dynein at neuromuscular junctions (NMJs).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFToxicon
January 2025
National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, 00015, Monterotondo, RM, Italy. Electronic address:
Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) has expanded its therapeutic uses beyond neuromuscular disorders to include treatments for various pain syndromes and neurological conditions. Originally recognized for blocking acetylcholine release at neuromuscular junctions, BoNT/A's effects extend to both peripheral and central nervous systems. Its ability to undergo retrograde transport allows BoNT/A to modulate synaptic transmission and reduce pain centrally, influencing neurotransmitter systems beyond muscle control.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFront Sports Act Living
January 2025
Department of Physical Therapy, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, United States.
Introduction: In individuals with chronic post-stroke hemiparesis, slow walking speed is a significant concern related to inadequate propulsion of the paretic limb. However, an overlooked factor is this population's altered morphology of the Achilles tendon, which may compromise the propulsive forces by the paretic limb. This study aimed to explore changes in Achilles tendon morphology, including gross thickness and intra-tendinous collagen fiber bundle organization, following stroke-induced brain lesions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFront Aging Neurosci
January 2025
Department of Neurology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
Background: Previous studies have suggested that neuromuscular junction (NMJ) denervation plays a critical role in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) has been used as a technique to test neuromuscular transmission, but the sensitivity and stability of its parameters have not been investigated in patients with ALS. In addition, the impact of impaired homeostasis on NMJ stability in patients with ALS remains unclear.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArch Rehabil Res Clin Transl
December 2024
Peninsula Hospital Center, Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Far Rockaway, NY.
Objective: To determine if fatigue systematically effects the timing of swallowing events and to discuss underlying causes of fatigue other than peripheral neuromuscular fatigue.
Design: Pre-post within-subject repeated-measures design.
Setting: General acute care hospital and designated stroke center.
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