The effect of tetraphenylporphinesulfonate (TPPS) on muscle end-plates in mice. An ultrastructural and quantitative study.

Motor end-plates were studied in mice at various intervals after a single injection of a synthetic porphyrin, tetraphenylporphinesulfonate (TPPS). Ultrastructurally, excess accumulation of neurofilaments constituted the earliest abnormality. These were followed by atrophy of many nerve terminals and their separation from the postsynaptic area by interposed Schwann cells. Five to 8 months after the injection some postsynaptic areas showed denervation and atrophy. These progressive changes in the nerve terminals were accompanied by secondary changes in the subneural apparatus. Morphometric analysis revealed marked atrophy of the end-plates and significant swelling of preterminal axons. The present findings are suggestive of partial denervation of muscle, occurring after the injection of a synthetic porphyrin.