Colchicine-induced sprouting of the neuromuscular junction in the pigeon extensor digitorum longus muscle.

Colchicine-induced motor endplate sprouting in the extensor digitorum longus muscle of the pigeon was examined. Ten days after the drug application sprouting from the endplate arborizations and nodes of Ranvier were observed. No concomitant changes in endplate surface area or in the degree of terminal branching could be demonstrated. Similarities between the sprouting patterns of the pigeon endplate and the mammalian endplate are discussed.