Miniature end-plate potentials and sensitivity to acetylcholine in the fast and slow limb muscles of hibernating golden hamsters.

During hibernation reduction of frequency of the miniature end-plate potential (m.e.p.p.) was observed. This parameter was reduced in the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle to 16% and in the soleus muscle to 7% of values found in awake animals. The ACh-sensitive area of the individual muscle fibres in both types of muscle increased about three times during hibernation.