Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
17
pubmed:dateCreated
2000-9-28
pubmed:abstractText
The role of neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) in the development and maturation of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) was explored by characterizing structurally and functionally NMJs from postnatal day 11 (P11) to P30 +/+, +/-, and -/- NCAM null mutant mice. Differences in NCAM levels resulted in alterations in the size and shape of NMJs, with -/- NMJs being smaller. Additionally both the withdrawal of polyneuronal innervation and the selective accumulation of synaptic vesicle protein in the presynaptic terminal were delayed. These observations suggest that the bidirectional signaling responsible for these events is impaired at -/- NMJs. Functionally, miniature end plate potential size, end plate potential size, and quantal content did not differ from that of wild type under either normal or low release conditions. However at normal release conditions, -/- NMJs, unlike +/+ NMJs, lacked paired-pulse facilitation. The most striking abnormality was the inability of NCAM null junctions to maintain transmitter output with repetitive stimuli. Combined electrophysiological and FM1-43-labeling studies suggest that NCAM null junctions are unable either to dock or to mobilize a sufficient number of vesicles at high but physiological rates of transmitter release. Taken together our observations show that many aspects of transmission are normal and, thus, that many presynaptic and postsynaptic molecules have assembled properly in the absence of NCAM. However, the fact that NCAM was required for specific aspects of transmission, including paired-pulse facilitation and reliable transmission with repetitive stimuli, suggests that NCAM either is directly involved in these processes or is required for the proper organization and/or function of other molecules underlying these processes.
pubmed:grant
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Sep
pubmed:issn
0270-6474
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:day
1
pubmed:volume
20
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
6529-39
pubmed:dateRevised
2008-11-21
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
2000
pubmed:articleTitle
Structural and functional alterations of neuromuscular junctions in NCAM-deficient mice.
pubmed:affiliation
Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106-4975, USA.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, In Vitro, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S., Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't