Fast and slow twitch skeletal muscle fibres differ in their distribution of Na channels near the endplate

Slow or fast: Implications of myofibre type and associated differences for manifestation of neuromuscular disorders

Many neuromuscular disorders can have a differential impact on a specific myofibre type, forming the central premise of this review. The many different skeletal muscles in mammals contain a spectrum of slow- to fast-twitch myofibres with varying levels of protein isoforms that determine their distinctive contractile, metabolic, and other properties. The variations in functional properties across the range of classic 'slow' to 'fast' myofibres are outlined, combined with exemplars of the predominantly slow-twitch soleus and fast-twitch extensor digitorum longus muscles, species comparisons, and techniques used to study these properties. Other intrinsic and extrinsic differences are discussed in the context of slow and fast myofibres. These include inherent susceptibility to damage, myonecrosis, and regeneration, plus extrinsic nerves, extracellular matrix, and vasculature, examined in the context of growth, ageing, metabolic syndrome, and sexual dimorphism. These many differences emphasise the importance of carefully considering the influence of myofibre-type composition on manifestation of various neuromuscular disorders across the lifespan for both sexes. Equally, understanding the different responses of slow and fast myofibres due to intrinsic and extrinsic factors can provide deep insight into the precise molecular mechanisms that initiate and exacerbate various neuromuscular disorders. This focus on the influence of different myofibre types is of fundamental importance to enhance translation for clinical management and therapies for many skeletal muscle disorders.

Structure and Function of the Mammalian Neuromuscular Junction

The mammalian neuromuscular junction (NMJ) comprises a presynaptic terminal, a postsynaptic receptor region on the muscle fiber (endplate), and the perisynaptic (terminal) Schwann cell. As with any synapse, the purpose of the NMJ is to transmit signals from the nervous system to muscle fibers. This neural control of muscle fibers is organized as motor units, which display distinct structural and functional phenotypes including differences in pre- and postsynaptic elements of NMJs. Motor units vary considerably in the frequency of their activation (both motor neuron discharge rate and duration/duty cycle), force generation, and susceptibility to fatigue. For earlier and more frequently recruited motor units, the structure and function of the activated NMJs must have high fidelity to ensure consistent activation and continued contractile response to sustain vital motor behaviors (e.g., breathing and postural balance). Similarly, for higher force less frequent behaviors (e.g., coughing and jumping), the structure and function of recruited NMJs must ensure short-term reliable activation but not activation sustained for a prolonged period in which fatigue may occur. The NMJ is highly plastic, changing structurally and functionally throughout the life span from embryonic development to old age. The NMJ also changes under pathological conditions including acute and chronic disease. Such neuroplasticity often varies across motor unit types. © 2022 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12:1-36, 2022.

New Challenges Resulting From the Loss of Function of Nav1.4 in Neuromuscular Diseases

The voltage-gated sodium channel Na_v1.4 is a major actor in the excitability of skeletal myofibers, driving the muscle force in response to nerve stimulation. Supporting further this key role, mutations in SCN4A, the gene encoding the pore-forming α subunit of Na_v1.4, are responsible for a clinical spectrum of human diseases ranging from muscle stiffness (sodium channel myotonia, SCM) to muscle weakness. For years, only dominantly-inherited diseases resulting from Na_v1.4 gain of function (GoF) were known, i.e., non-dystrophic myotonia (delayed muscle relaxation due to myofiber hyperexcitability), paramyotonia congenita and hyperkalemic or hypokalemic periodic paralyses (episodic flaccid muscle weakness due to transient myofiber hypoexcitability). These last 5 years, SCN4A mutations inducing Na_v1.4 loss of function (LoF) were identified as the cause of dominantly and recessively-inherited disorders with muscle weakness: periodic paralyses with hypokalemic attacks, congenital myasthenic syndromes and congenital myopathies. We propose to name this clinical spectrum sodium channel weakness (SCW) as the mirror of SCM. Na_v1.4 LoF as a cause of permanent muscle weakness was quite unexpected as the Na⁺ current density in the sarcolemma is large, securing the ability to generate and propagate muscle action potentials. The properties of SCN4A LoF mutations are well documented at the channel level in cellular electrophysiological studies However, much less is known about the functional consequences of Na_v1.4 LoF in skeletal myofibers with no available pertinent cell or animal models. Regarding the therapeutic issues for Na_v1.4 channelopathies, former efforts were aimed at developing subtype-selective Na_v channel antagonists to block myofiber hyperexcitability. Non-selective, Na_v channel blockers are clinically efficient in SCM and paramyotonia congenita, whereas patient education and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are helpful to prevent attacks in periodic paralyses. Developing therapeutic tools able to counteract Na_v1.4 LoF in skeletal muscles is then a new challenge in the field of Na_v channelopathies. Here, we review the current knowledge regarding Na_v1.4 LoF and discuss the possible therapeutic strategies to be developed in order to improve muscle force in SCW.

Nature and Action of Antibodies in Myasthenia Gravis

This article discusses antibodies associated with immune-mediated myasthenia gravis and the pathologic action of these antibodies at the neuromuscular junctions of skeletal muscle. To explain how these antibodies act, we consider the physiology of neuromuscular transmission with emphasis on 4 features: the structure of the neuromuscular junction; the roles of postsynaptic acetylcholine receptors and voltage-gated Na⁺ channels and in converting the chemical signal from the nerve terminal into a propagated action potential on the muscle fiber that triggers muscle contraction; the safety factor for neuromuscular transmission; and how the safety factor is reduced in different forms of autoimmune myasthenia gravis.

The effects of ATP on the contractions of rat and mouse fast skeletal muscle

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine on the contractility of rodent extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle at normal and low temperatures.

METHODS

Contractions of rat and mouse isolated EDL were induced by either electrical stimulation (ES) or exogenous carbachol and recorded in the presence of ATP or adenosine (both at 100 μM).

RESULTS

ATP at all temperatures caused a decrease of the contractions induced by carbachol in rat and mouse EDL and ES-induced contractions in rat EDL, while it potentiated the ES-induced contractions of mouse EDL. Adenosine reduced the contractility of rat and mouse EDL evoked by ES and did not affect the carbachol-induced contractions of rat and mouse EDL at any temperature.

DISCUSSION

Under various temperature conditions, ATP inhibits pre- but potentiates postsynaptic processes in the mouse EDL; in the rat EDL ATP causes only inhibition of neuromuscular conduction. Muscle Nerve 59:509-516, 2019.

Fiber Types in Mammalian Skeletal Muscles

Mammalian skeletal muscle comprises different fiber types, whose identity is first established during embryonic development by intrinsic myogenic control mechanisms and is later modulated by neural and hormonal factors. The relative proportion of the different fiber types varies strikingly between species, and in humans shows significant variability between individuals. Myosin heavy chain isoforms, whose complete inventory and expression pattern are now available, provide a useful marker for fiber types, both for the four major forms present in trunk and limb muscles and the minor forms present in head and neck muscles. However, muscle fiber diversity involves all functional muscle cell compartments, including membrane excitation, excitation-contraction coupling, contractile machinery, cytoskeleton scaffold, and energy supply systems. Variations within each compartment are limited by the need of matching fiber type properties between different compartments. Nerve activity is a major control mechanism of the fiber type profile, and multiple signaling pathways are implicated in activity-dependent changes of muscle fibers. The characterization of these pathways is raising increasing interest in clinical medicine, given the potentially beneficial effects of muscle fiber type switching in the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases.

INa and IKir are reduced in Type 1 hypokalemic and thyrotoxic periodic paralysis

We evaluated voltage-gated Na(+) (I(Na)) and inward rectifier K(+) (I(Kir)) currents and Na(+) conductance (G(Na)) in patients with Type 1 hypokalemic (HOPP) and thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP). We studied intercostal muscle fibers from five subjects with HOPP and one with TPP. TPP was studied when the patient was thyrotoxic (T-toxic) and euthyroid. We measured: (1) I(Kir), (2) action potential thresholds, (3) I(Na), (4) G(Na), (5) intracellular [Ca(2+)], and (6) histochemical fiber type. HOPP fibers had lower I(Na), G(Na), and I(Kir) and increased action potential thresholds. Paralytic attack frequency correlated with the action potential threshold, G(Na) and I(Na), but not with I(Kir). G(Na), I(Na), and [Ca(2+)] varied with fiber type. HOPP fibers had increased [Ca(2+)]. The subject with TPP had values for G(Na), I(Na), action potential threshold, I(Kir), and [Ca(2+)] that were similar to HOPP when T-toxic and to controls when euthyroid. HOPP T-toxic TPP fibers had altered G(Na), I(Na), and I(Kir) associated with elevation in [Ca(2+)].

How myasthenia gravis alters the safety factor for neuromuscular transmission

Myasthenia gravis (MG), the most common of autoimmune myasthenic syndromes, is characterized by antibodies directed against the skeletal muscle acetylcholine receptors (AChRs). Endplate Na(+) channels ensure the efficiency of neuromuscular transmission by reducing the threshold depolarization needed to trigger an action potential. Postsynaptic AChRs and voltage-gated Na(+) channels are both lost from the neuromuscular junction in MG. This study examined the impact of postsynaptic voltage-gated Na(+) channel loss on the safety factor for neuromuscular transmission. In intercostal nerve-muscle preparations from MG patients, we found that endplate AChR loss decreases the size of the endplate potential, and endplate Na(+) channel loss increases the threshold depolarization needed to produce a muscle action potential. To evaluate whether AChR-specific antibody impairs the function of Na(+) channels, we tested omohyoid nerve-muscle preparations from rats injected with monoclonal myasthenogenic IgG (passive transfer model of MG [PTMG]). The AChR antibody that produces PTMG did not alter the function of Na(+) channels. We conclude that loss of endplate Na(+) channels in MG is due to complement-mediated loss of endplate membrane rather than a direct effect of myasthenogenic antibodies on endplate Na(+) channels.

Safety factor for neuromuscular transmission at type-identified diaphragm fibers

The safety factor (SF) for neuromuscular transmission varies across limb muscles of different fiber-type composition. Using intracellular recordings in rat diaphragm fibers, we found that SF varies across muscle fiber types (even within a single muscle), being larger for type IIx or IIb fibers than for type I or IIa fibers. Fiber-type differences in activation history or mechanical load may contribute to differences in SF and are important determinants of neuromuscular plasticity.

Molecular architecture of the neuromuscular junction

The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a complex structure that serves to efficiently communicate the electrical impulse from the motor neuron to the skeletal muscle to signal contraction. Over the last 200 years, technological advances in microscopy allowed visualization of the existence of a gap between the motor neuron and skeletal muscle that necessitated the existence of a messenger, which proved to be acetylcholine. Ultrastructural analysis identified vesicles in the presynaptic nerve terminal, which provided a beautiful structural correlate for the quantal nature of neuromuscular transmission, and the imaging of synaptic folds on the muscle surface demonstrated that specializations of the underlying protein scaffold were required. Molecular analysis in the last 20 years has confirmed the preferential expression of synaptic proteins, which is guided by a precise developmental program and maintained by signals from nerve. Although often overlooked, the Schwann cell that caps the NMJ and the basal lamina is proving to be critical in maintenance of the junction. Genetic and autoimmune disorders are known that compromise neuromuscular transmission and provide further insights into the complexities of NMJ function as well as the subtle differences that exist among NMJ that may underlie the differential susceptibility of muscle groups to neuromuscular transmission diseases. In this review we summarize the synaptic physiology, architecture, and variations in synaptic structure among muscle types. The important roles of specific signaling pathways involved in NMJ development and acetylcholine receptor (AChR) clustering are reviewed. Finally, genetic and autoimmune disorders and their effects on NMJ architecture and neuromuscular transmission are examined.

Detubulation experiments localise delayed rectifier currents to the surface membrane of amphibian skeletal muscle fibres

Ionic currents in intact and detubulated frog sartorius muscle fibres were compared at room temperature using a loose-patch voltage clamp configuration in four experimental groups. The test fibres (i) were detubulated by a previously established osmotic shock protocol that involved the introduction and withdrawal of extracellular glycerol followed by exposure to Ca2+/Mg2+-Ringer solution and cooling. The control fibres were spared osmotic shock and (ii) simply studied in normal Ringer solution, (iii) exposed to 30 min of steady cooling to 9-10 degrees C before electrophysiological study or (iv) exposed to and studied in glycerol-Ringer solution. The presence or absence of detubulation was confirmed for all the experimental groups through assessing for the abolition or otherwise of the delayed after-depolarisation normally associated with action potential propagation into the transverse (T) tubules. All fibre groups showed similar resting potentials (-80 to -90 mV) thus ensuring consistent baseline voltages from which the voltage clamp steps were imposed. The intact muscle fibres in the three control groups (ii)-(iv) spared osmotic shock showed both inward Na+ and delayed rectifier outward (K+) currents. In contrast, patches from detubulated muscle fibres in the test group (i) showed only delayed outward currents, consistent with contrasting contributions to Na+ and K+ currents from regions of membrane affected or spared by the detubulation procedure. Nevertheless, the voltage dependence, maximum steady state amplitudes and timecourses of the delayed outward currents were conserved through all the experimental groups. These findings suggest that the surface as opposed to the tubular membrane contributes the greater part of the delayed rectifier current in amphibian skeletal muscle.

Ectopic endplates induce localized changes in skeletal muscle ultrastructure

To investigate the processes by which motoneurons control protein synthesis, and thus the ultrastructure of the muscle fibers they innervate, ectopic endplates were induced to form on adult mouse skeletal muscle fibers by transplantation of a foreign nerve onto the muscle. In the dually innervated muscle fibers thus created, we examined two ultrastructural parameters that correlate with the expression of distinct isoforms of the myofibrillar proteins alpha-actinin and titin, specifically, Z-line width and sarcomere length. It was found that Z-lines were significantly thinner (98 vs. 128 nm) and sarcomeres were significantly shorter (1.69 vs. 2.06 microm) near the ectopic than near the original endplates. Thus, ectopic endplate formation on adult skeletal muscle fibers induces a localized alteration in myofibrillar morphology. These results may help to elucidate the role played by motoneurons in the determination and maintenance of muscle fiber properties and the processes that occur following muscle reinnervation after nerve injury.

Safety factor at the neuromuscular junction

Reliable transmission of activity from nerve to muscle is necessary for the normal function of the body. The term 'safety factor' refers to the ability of neuromuscular transmission to remain effective under various physiological conditions and stresses. This is a result of the amount of transmitter released per nerve impulse being greater than that required to trigger an action potential in the muscle fibre. The safety factor is a measure of this excess of released transmitter. In this review we discuss the practical difficulties involved in estimating the safety factor in vitro. We then consider the factors that influence the safety factor in vivo. While presynaptic transmitter release may be modulated on a moment to moment basis, the postsynaptic features that determine the effect of released transmitter are not so readily altered to meet changing demands. Different strategies are used by different species to ensure reliable neuromuscular transmission. Some, like frogs, rely on releasing a large amount of transmitter while others, like man, rely on elaborate postsynaptic specialisations to enhance the response to transmitter. In normal adult mammals, the safety factor is generally 3-5. Both pre- and postsynaptic components change during development and may show plasticity in response to injury or disease. Thus, both acquired autoimmune and inherited congenital diseases of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) can significantly reduce, or even transiently increase, safety factor.

Sodium channel distribution on uninnervated and innervated embryonic skeletal myotubes

Acetylcholine receptor (AChR) and sodium (Na(+)) channel distributions within the membrane of mature vertebrate skeletal muscle fibers maximize the probability of successful neuromuscular transmission and subsequent action potential propagation. AChRs have been studied intensively as a model for understanding the development and regulation of ion channel distribution within the postsynaptic membrane. Na(+) channel distributions have received less attention, although there is evidence that the temporal accumulation of Na(+) channels at developing neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) may differ between species. Even less is known about the development of extrajunctional Na(+) channel distributions. To further our understanding of Na(+) channel distributions within junctional and extrajunctional membranes, we used a novel voltage-clamp method and fluorescent probes to map Na(+) channels on embryonic chick muscle fibers as they developed in vitro and in vivo. Na(+) current densities on uninnervated myotubes were approximately one-tenth the density found within extrajunctional regions of mature fibers, and showed several-fold variations that could not be explained by a random scattering of single channels. Regions of high current density were not correlated with cellular landmarks such as AChR clusters or myonuclei. Under coculture conditions, AChRs rapidly concentrated at developing synapses, while Na(+) channels did not show a significant increase over the 7 day coculture period. In vivo investigations supported a significant temporal separation between Na(+) channel and AChR aggregation at the developing NMJ. These data suggest that extrajunctional Na(+) channels cluster together in a neuronally independent manner and concentrate at the developing avian NMJ much later than AChRs.

Clustering of sodium channels at the neuromuscular junction

Voltage-gated sodium channels (NaChs) are highly concentrated in the postsynaptic region of the neuromuscular junction, especially in the depths of postsynaptic folds and in the perijunctional region. The formation of the high NaCh density occurs during synapse maturation, approximately 2 weeks after initial synaptic contact in the rodent. The concentration of NaChs and their localization in the troughs of the folds increase the safety factor for neuromuscular transmission by reducing the threshold for initiation of the action potential. There is evidence that agrin plays a role in the formation of NaCh aggregation. Molecules such as ankyrin and syntrophin that bind NaChs may be important for maintenance of the high channel density at the endplate.

Injury and recovery of fast and slow skeletal muscle fibers affected by ACL myotoxin isolated from Agkistrodon contortrix laticinctus (Broad-Banded copperhead) venom

The response of different types of skeletal muscle fibers to a snake venom PLA2 myotoxin was tested in vivo by injecting ACL myotoxin (ACLMT) into mice. Both the soleus (slow-twitch) and gastrocnemius (fast-twitch) were examined at different time periods (3 h, 3 and 21 d) after the injection. All animals received 5 mg/kg myotoxin into the subcutaneous lateral region of the right hind limb, near the Achilles tendon; contralateral muscles were used as controls. Cross-sections (10 microm) of frozen muscle tissue were cut from the medial region of the muscle. Alternate serial sections were stained either with toluidine blue or for acid phosphatase, myofibrillar ATPase activity after alkali (pH 10.3) or acid preincubation (pH 4.3), succinate dehydrogenase or acetylcholinesterase. Several stages of necrosis were observed 3 h after ACLMT injection, in both superficial and deep regions of both muscles. In these same regions 3 d after injection, clusters of regenerated muscle fibers were present, and some of them presented AChE activity. Twenty-one days after ACLMT injection the muscle fibers of soleus and gastrocnemius presented only chronic signs of damage such as split fibers and centralized nuclei. Using m-ATPase reactions it was possible to determine that both muscle fiber types I and II were injured in both muscles. The number of type IIC fibers was significantly increased, and the number of type II fibers significantly decreased in the gastrocnemius 21 d after ACLMT injection, suggesting a change in muscle fiber type from type II to type I, through type IIC. The increased number of type IIC fibers and the presence of AChE activity in clusters of regenerating fibers and split fibers indicate that injury by ACLMT produces axonal remodeling and muscle fiber type change.

Electrophysiology of postsynaptic activation

The safety factor for neuromuscular transmission depends upon the amount of ACh released from the nerve terminal, the number of AChRs, and the concentration of Na+ channels at the end plate potential. The postsynaptic end plate membrane of the neuromuscular junctions is specialized in three ways: (1) AChRs, Na+ channels, ChE, NOS, and other membrane-associated proteins are concentrated at the end plate; (2) the end plate cytoskeleton has a different composition of proteins as compared with extrajunctional membrane; and (3) the end plate membrane is mechanically different as compared with extrajunctional membrane. A blockade of neuromuscular transmission occurs when ACh release is inadequate or the end plate response to ACh is too small to trigger an AP. A safety factor for neuromuscular transmission exists because the EPP is larger than the threshold for generating an AP. The high concentration of Na+ channels at the end plate increases the safety factor for neuromuscular transmission by reducing the threshold depolarization required to initiate an AP. In MG, the safety factor is reduced due to loss of AChRs and loss of Na+ channels. The loss of AChRs reduces the EPP and the Na+ channel loss increases the threshold for triggering an AP.

End-plate voltage-gated sodium channels are lost in clinical and experimental myasthenia gravis

This study examined the loss of voltage-gated Na+ channels as well as acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) from the end-plate region in patients with acquired myasthenia gravis (MG) and in rats with experimental autoimmune passively transferred MG (PTMG). Rats received a monoclonal IgG antibody directed against an extracellular epitope of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor of muscle (AChR) to produce PTMG. At the end-plate border we examined miniature end-plate potentials (MEPPs), sodium current (INa) amplitude, and action potential (AP) properties; the latter two were also examined on the extrajunctional membrane. In the normal situation, the safety factor for neuromuscular transmission is ensured by the large INa at the end plate, which reduces the AP threshold. Among different fiber types, INa was largest for type IIb fibers and smallest for type I fibers. When end-plate border properties of fibers from 3 MG patients and 15 PTMG rats were compared with controls, INa was reduced, AP thresholds were higher, and rates of AP rise were reduced. Amplitudes of MEPPs and INa at the end plate indicated that loss of AChRs was greater than loss of Na+ channels in patients with MG and rats with PTMG; INa was reduced to about 60% of control values, whereas MEPPs were reduced to less than 30% of control values. On the extrajunctional membrane, INa and AP thresholds and rates of rise were similar for MG patients, PTMG rats, and controls. This evidence for loss of voltage-gated Na+ channels at the motor end plate in both patients with MG and in rats with PTMG reveals a hitherto unrecognized consequence of the end-plate damage initiated by the binding of complement-fixing IgG to end-plate AChRs.

The contribution of postsynaptic folds to the safety factor for neuromuscular transmission in rat fast- and slow-twitch muscles

1. At the rat neuromuscular junction, the postsynaptic folds and the voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) within them are thought to amplify the effects of postsynaptic currents. In this study, the contribution of this effect to the safety factor for neuromuscular transmission, the ratio of the normal quantal content to the number of quanta required to reach threshold, has been estimated. 2. Normal quantal content was determined in isolated nerve-muscle preparations of rat soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles in which muscle action potentials were blocked by mu-conotoxin. The quantal content estimated from voltage recordings was 61.8 and 79.4 in soleus and EDL, respectively, and from charge measurements derived from current recordings was 46.3 (soleus) and 65.1 (EDL). 3. The threshold for action potential generation in response to nerve stimulation was determined from endplate potentials (EPPs) and endplate currents (EPCs) in preparations partially blocked with d-tubocurarine. The number of quanta required to reach threshold was estimated from voltage recordings to be 19.7 (soleus) and 23.2 (EDL) and from charge measurements derived from current recordings to be 13.3 (soleus) and 13.0 (EDL). 4. When intracellular electrodes were used to inject current into the muscle fibre, the total charge required to reach threshold was approximately twice that of the nerve-evoked threshold EPC. 5. The safety factor for nerve-evoked responses at the junction was 3.5 (soleus) and 5.0 (EDL). In the extrajunctional region the safety factor estimated from injected currents was 1.7 (soleus) and 2.5 (EDL). 6. It is concluded that the effect of the postsynaptic folds and the VGSCs within them is to double the safety factor. At normal frequencies of nerve impulse activity in vivo, this effect is likely to be crucial for ensuring effective neuromuscular transmission.

Physiology and interpretation of the electromyogram

The purpose of this review is to consider some issues in the interpretation of the electromyogram (EMG) and to discuss current areas of controversy regarding use of the EMG. We consider the underlying physiology and origin of the EMG signal and offer an abbreviated discussion of measurement issues and selected factors that affect the characteristics of the EMG signal. We discuss many of the problems affecting interpretation, including normalization, crosstalk, and issues specific to contraction. In the final section, we consider topics of current interest in electromyography, such as muscle fatigue, task specificity, multichannel representations, and muscle fiber conduction velocity. We present, in addition, alternative analysis techniques. This review should interest researchers and clinicians who seek to obtain the valuable information inherent in the EMG while respecting the potential sources of variance and misinterpretation.

Effects of length changes on Na+ current amplitude and excitability near and far from the end-plate

Na+ current (INa), membrane capacitance (Cm), action potential (AP) properties, and cable properties were studied on the end-plate (E), the end-plate border (EB), and extrajunctional (EJ) membrane of rat fast twitch muscle fibers. INa normalized to Cm, which is proportional to the density of Na+ channels, was the same on the E and the EB and smallest on EJ membrane. The AP threshold was lower and rate of rise of the AP was larger at the EB compared with EJ membrane. On the E and the EB, Cm and INa did not change in response to changes in fiber length. On EJ membrane, INa, Cm, and membrane cable properties changed in a manner consistent with folding and unfolding of the sarcolemma during length changes. The stiffness of the E membrane may add mechanical stability of the neuromuscular junction so that the electrical properties of the end-plate do not change with fiber length. The higher density of Na+ channels near the end-plate increases the safety factor for neuromuscular transmission by lowering the AP threshold.

Na channel density in extrajunctional sarcolemma of fast and slow twitch mouse skeletal muscle fibres: functional implications and plasticity after fast motoneuron transplantation on to a slow muscle

Na channel densities were measured in fast and slow twitch mouse skeletal muscle fibres using the loose patch voltage clamp technique. It was found that Na channel density was approximately four times greater in fast twitch fibres than in slow. Computer simulations of action potential propagation in these fibres strongly suggest that the higher channel densities in fast twitch fibres are necessary to maintain action potential amplitude and fidelity of transmission across the neuromuscular junction, especially during the periods of rapid stimulation that these fibres are subjected to by their motoneurons. Transplantation of a foreign nerve containing axons which had previously innervated fast twitch fibres on to a slow twitch muscle resulted in an approximate doubling of the Na channel density in fibres innervated by the foreign nerve. These results suggest that motoneurons may exert considerable control over Na channel density in the muscle fibres they innervate.

Action potential generation in rat slow- and fast-twitch muscles

1. In skeletal muscle fibres, voltage-gated sodium channels are concentrated at the neuromuscular junction. The effect of this accumulation of sodium channels on action potential generation was investigated in rat slow- and fast-twitch muscle fibres. 2. Intracellular microelectrodes were used to generate and record action potentials, from an imposed membrane potential of -75 and -90 mV, in junctional and extrajunctional regions of the muscle fibre. To identify junctional regions, preparations were incubated with 5 x 10(-7) M d-tubocurarine (dTC) to block muscle contraction in response to nerve stimulation whilst allowing endplate potentials (EPPs) to be recorded. Injection of rectangular depolarizing current pulses initiated action potentials at the endplate with threshold values several millivolts lower than those generated elsewhere in the fibre. In addition, the maximum rate of rise of the action potential was greater at the endplate than in extrajunctional regions. 3. In other muscles, neuromuscular transmission was partially blocked with dTC (2 x 10(-7) M), such that repetitive nerve stimulation evoked action potentials and EPPs in the same fibre. The threshold of these nerve-evoked action potentials was approximately 50% lower than values derived from action potentials generated by current injection. 4. It is concluded that the threshold for action potential generation is significantly lower at the neuromuscular junction than in extrajunctional regions of skeletal muscle fibres. Furthermore, nerve-evoked current is more effective at generating an action potential than is injected current.

Cholinergic and noncholinergic changes in skeletal muscles by carbofuran and methyl parathion

The objective of this investigation was to determine the distribution of cholinergic (acetyl-cholinesterase, AChE) and noncholinergic markers in slow-, fast-, and mixed-fiber containing muscles (soleus, SOL; extensor digitorum longus, EDL; and diaphragm, DIA, respectively). Noncholinergic markers included high-energy phosphates (adenosine triphosphate, ATP; phosphocreatine, PCr; and their metabolites), and the activity of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and their isoenzymes and subforms. All three types of muscles had only one CK isoenzyme, CK-MM, which totally consisted of MM3 subform. Levels of these determinants were highest in EDL followed by DIA and least in SOL. Another objective was to determine alterations of these markers under the influence of acute carbofuran (1.5 mg/kg) or methyl parathion (MPTH, 5 mg/kg) toxicity. Rats receiving either insecticide showed cholinergic signs with maximal severity including muscle fasciculations and convulsions within 15-30 min that lasted for about 2 h. At 1 h postinsecticide injection, when AChE was maximally inhibited (81-96%), significant depletion of ATP and PCr was evident in muscles (DIA > SOL > EDL), and activities of CK-MM and LDH were elevated in muscles and consequently in serum. Serum CK-MM3 activity was markedly reduced with sequential increase in MM2 and MM1 subforms, probably due to induced higher carboxypeptidase activity. These findings suggested that (1) the differences in levels of biochemical constituents in muscles depend upon the fiber type, (2) anticholinesterase insecticide-induced increased muscle activity produces characteristic changes in CK and LDH isoenzymes patterns, and (3) leakage of these enzymes/isoenzymes into serum is due to depletion of ATP and PCr, which are required to maintain the cell membrane permeability.

Na+ currents near and away from endplates on human fast and slow twitch muscle fibers

Fast and slow twitch muscle fibers have distinct contractile properties. Here we determined that membrane excitability also varies with fiber type. Na+ currents (INa) were studied with the loose-patch voltage clamp technique on 29 histochemically classified human intercostal skeletal muscle fibers at the endplate border and > 200 microns from the endplate (extrajunctional). Fast and slow twitch fibers showed slow inactivation of endplate border and extrajunctional INa and had increased INa at the endplate border compared to extrajunctional membrane. The voltage dependencies of INa were similar on the endplate border and extrajunctional membrane, which suggests that both regions have physiologically similar channels. Fast twitch fibers had larger INa on the endplate border and extrajunctional membrane and manifest fast and slow inactivation of INa at more negative potentials than slow twitch fibers. For normal muscle, the differences between INa on fast and slow twitch fibers might: (1) enable fast twitch fibers to operate at high firing frequencies for brief periods; and (2) enable slow twitch fibers to operate at low firing frequencies for prolonged times. Disorders of skeletal membrane excitability, such as the periodic paralyses and myotonias, may impact fast and slow twitch fibers differently due to the distinctive Na+ channel properties of each fiber type.