Changes in large dense-core vesicles during maturation of the rat neuromuscular junction.

The proportion of large dense-core vesicles (LDCVs) in motor nerve terminals of the rat biceps brachialis muscle was evaluated from embryonic day 20 to 4 weeks postpartum as well as in the adult. A progressive decrease was observed up to 3 weeks postpartum when maturation of the endplates is achieved. Differences compared with the adult were no longer significant at 4 weeks postpartum. Three types of LDVCs, classified according to their size and the core density, were detected. Their relative proportion did not vary significantly during the period of life examined. The high proportion of LDCVs during early development and their persistence at a low level in the adult suggest that they might play a role in the maturation and maintenance of the endplates.