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FUNDAMENTAL ASPECTS OF NEUROMUSCULAR TRANSMISSION *
Author(s) -
Nastuk William L.
Publication year - 1966
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1966.tb45467.x
Subject(s) - citation , annals , library science , computer science , classics , history
w.e may begin by reviewing the steps in neuromuscular transmission as shown in Fig. 1. It is now widely accepted that acetylcholine (ACh) is the transmitter at the neuromuscular junction. Hebb has recently reviewed the evidence that ACh is synthesized and stored in neuronal terminals. She has detailed the arguments to support the view that choline acetylase is located in synaptic vesicles, and that these vesicles are storage depots for ACh. There are many technical problems in the study of ACh synthesis and storage which I cannot discuss here, and an additional major difficulty in the study of the neuromuscular junction is that the important neural structures cannot be isolated and subjected to direct analysis. However, the superior cervical ganglion offers good opportunity for this kind of investigation, and it has been used by Birks and Macintosh and Birks for this purpose. Their carefully conducted experiments and thoughtful analysis of the results should be consulted by those interested in the synthesis, storage, and release of ACh from presynaptic neurons. Birks