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Evidence for a Junctional Effect of Lead on Neuromuscular Function

Nature volume 247, pages 49–50 (1974)Cite this article

Abstract

THE peripheral neuromuscular pathology of lead has been extensively described in the clinical literature, but the mechanism of lead toxicity which results in neuromuscular impairment is not known1. Early work attempted to locate the site of a toxic lesion in the muscle and showed changes in muscle inorganic phosphate and creatine phosphate levels after lead treatment2,3. Experiments on the superior cervical ganglion, however, suggested that lead affected synaptic transmission by lowering the amount of acetylcholine released on preganglionic stimulation4. In order to separate the effects of lead on nerve from effects on muscle we have carried out experiments using the isolated phrenic nerve-diaphragm preparation.

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References

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Environmental Medicine, School of Hygiene and Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205

    ELLEN K. SILBERGELD, JOHN T. FALES & ALAN M. GOLDBERG

Authors
  1. ELLEN K. SILBERGELD
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  2. JOHN T. FALES
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  3. ALAN M. GOLDBERG
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SILBERGELD, E., FALES, J. & GOLDBERG, A. Evidence for a Junctional Effect of Lead on Neuromuscular Function. Nature 247, 49–50 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1038/247049a0

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