Age-associated changes in neuromuscular transmission in the rat.

The physiological changes in neuromuscular transmission associated with age were examined in rats between the ages of 1 mo (28 days) and 1 yr (364 days). Intracellular recording techniques were used to monitor end-plate potentials and miniature end-plate potentials at the rat diaphragm neuromuscular junction. Muscle action potentials were blocked by cutting the muscle fibers. Neuromuscular transmission was significantly different in 28-day-old rats compared with the older rats (42-364 days). The 28-day-old rats released fewer quanta. The statistical store in the immature rats was also significantly smaller than in the older age groups. The statistical probability of release, however, was not significantly different from the older animals. Examination of the presynaptic parameters in rats between the ages of 42 and 364 days revealed no significant increases in quantal release. It is concluded that the neuromuscular junction matures physiologically by 6 wk of age in rats and remains stable through the 1st yr of life.