Advantages of the triangularis sterni muscle of the mouse for investigations of synaptic phenomena

Abstract

The triangularis sterni muscle (TS) of the mouse is a thin trapezoidal sheet of fibres in which individual neuromuscular junctions are easily observed with Nomarski optics. Thus, microelectrodes are readily positioned to accurately record various synaptic phenomena. For example, miniature end-plate currents were easily recorded with a focally positioned extracellular electrode and the end-plate sensitivity to acetylcholine averaged 2062 mV/nC. In addition, the intercostal nerves segmentally innervate the TS. Electrophysiologic and histologic analysis showed that each nerve innervates a sharply defined territory of the muscle surface. These preliminary observations suggest that the TS may be ideal for studies of synaptic function and the processes underlying synapse stabilization in the mammal.