[Comparison of the action of hyperpolarization and ethanol on frog end-plate currents at different cholinoceptor densities]

Abstract

Both hyperpolarization of the postsynaptic membrane and ethanol delayed the decay rate of end-plate currents (EPC) in voltage clamp experiments of frog neuromuscular junctions. After a decrease of the acetylcholine receptors' density by alpha-bungarotoxin, the effect of ethanol, but not that of hyperpolarization, became less pronounced. It is concluded that there are differences between hyperpolarization and ethanol action on the processes controlling the EPC decay rate.