Connections between nerve and muscle - Loss of multiple innervation

6 important questions on Connections between nerve and muscle - Loss of multiple innervation

Which two ions regulate the detachment of motorneuron axons on skeletal muscle cells?

Calcium and high levels of Potassium.

How does contractile activity induced release of K+ and Ca2+ end up in a retracted axon?

  • K+ is released into the extracellular space
  • K+ stimulates K+ dependent Ca2+ channels on the pre-synaptic terminal membrane
  • Ca2+ influx in the pre-synaps stimulates Ca2+ dependent proteases
  • Attack of neurofilaments by proteases
  • Axon retraction

How can adult motorneurons innervate muscles if they are constantly attacked by Ca2+?

They have downregulated the expression of K+ depedent calcium channels on their pre-synaptic terminals. Smarties
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What happens with the axons that have retracted from primary muscle fibers?

They start invading the secondary muscle fibers.

What does a denervated muscle fiber do to survive?

It will express AChR on the outside of the surface membrane so that nearby neuronal axons can sprout and make contact.

Is contractile activity beneficial for muscle innervation?

No, it increases the rejection rate of innervating axons.

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