Neuromuscular transmission and muscle fatigue changes by nanostructured oxygen

: Oxygen (O 2 ) nanobubbles offer a new method for tissue oxygenation. The effects of O 2 nanobubbles on transmission at neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) and muscle function were explored in murine diaphragm. Methods : Electrophysiological parameters, NMJ ultrastructure, muscle force, and muscle fatigue were studied during superfusion with solutions with different oxygen levels or oxygen nanobubbles. Results : High frequency nerve stimulation of muscles superfused with O 2 nanobubble solution slowed neurotransmission decline over those with either control or hyperoxic solution. O 2 nanobubble solution increased the amplitude of evoked end plate potentials and quantal content but did not affect spontaneous activity. Electron microscopy of stimulated O 2 nanobubble treated NMJs showed accumulation of large synaptic vesicles and endosome‐like structures. O 2 nanobubble solution had no effects on isometric muscle force, but it significantly decreased fatigability and maximum force recovery time in nerve stimulated muscles. Conclusions : O 2 nanobubbles increase neurotransmission and reduce the probability of neurotransmission failure in muscle fatigue. Muscle Nerve 55 : 555–563, 2017