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Presynaptic and Postsynaptic Effects of Lead at the Frog Neuromuscular Junction

Abstract

LEAD has long been known to be toxic to animals and humans, with some of its effects being attributable to actions on the neuromuscular system1,2. Since several other polyvalent cations have potent effects on neuromuscular transmission3–19, the question arose as to whether one of the manifestations of lead toxicity might be an interference with neuromuscular transmission. Answers to this question might elucidate some mechanisms of lead toxicity and, at the same time, improve our understanding of junctional transmission. This report shows that lead influences both pre and postsynaptic events in neuromuscular transmission with the presynaptic ones being most sensitive.

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MANALIS, R., COOPER, G. Presynaptic and Postsynaptic Effects of Lead at the Frog Neuromuscular Junction. Nature 243, 354–356 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1038/243354a0

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