Effect of ethanol on the spontaneous transmitter release by nerve endings in the process of maturation.

Ethanol stimulates the spontaneous transmitter release from motor nerve endings, as shown by the increase of miniature end plate potential (m.e.p.p.) frequency at the neuro-muscular junction. The stimulation of acetylcholine spontaneous quantal release by ethanol is greater in regenerating than in mature nerve endings. The different effects of ethanol on regenerating nerve endings may be related to changes of chemical-physical membrane properties.