Effect of prostaglandin E1 on neuromuscular transmission in the rat.

1 The effect of prostaglandin E1 on neuromuscular transmission in the phrenic nerve-diaphragm muscle preparation of the rat was studied with intra- and extracellular recording techniques. 2 Prostaglandin E1, in concentrations from 10 nM, induced intermittent failures in the generation of the end-plate potential in response to repeated indirect stimulation. 3 Failures appeared abruptly, the end-plate potential behaving in an all-or-nothing fashion. The effect occurred only at 36-38 degrees C when the nerve was stimulated at 30-80 Hz and was reversible upon washing with drug-free solution. 4 Since miniature end-plate potentials were not affected, such failures must be attributed to a presynaptic action of prostaglandin E1. 5 Extracellular recording suggested that prostaglandin E1 prevented the action potential from reaching the nerve terminal.