| Abstract: | 1. Changes in miniature end-plate potential (m.e.p.p.) frequency by repetitive nerve stimulation were examined in the rat soleus muscle. 2. The increase of m.e.p.p. frequency was induced by repetitive stimulation and persisted for several minutes after the tetanus. That is, post-tetanic potentiation (PTP) of neuromuscular transmission was first demonstrated here in the rat soleus muscle. 3. The time course of the decay of m.e.p.p. frequency after the tetanus showed a double exponential curve which consisted of a fast decaying component (augmentation) and a slow decaying component (potentiation). 4. The magnitude of PTP depended on the stimulation frequency and its duration. It increased with the increase of duration and was at its maximum at a frequency of 100 Hz. 5. No PTP was elicited by repetitive stimulation under conditions in which end-plate potential (e.p.p.) was completely suppressed, and, moreover, m.e.p.p. frequency tended to decrease after the tetanus. |
