Ageing-induced weakness of mouse NMJs is associated with reduced active zone density, synaptic event kinetics and presynaptic calcium entry.

ABSTRACT: Ageing has been shown to affect both the structure and function of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). In our previous study, we documented a biphasic change (first an increase followed by a decrease) in neurotransmission over the ageing time course at male mouse NMJs. Here, we explored several potential mechanisms behind the reduction in presynaptic neurotransmitter release in the later stages of ageing. We found that the active zone (AZ) density significantly decreased in NMJs at 30 months, compared to 4- and 26-month-old mice. Furthermore, the decreased end plate potential (EPP) amplitude in these 30-month-old mice was associated with a significantly longer rise and decay time, and, although miniature end plate potential (mEPPs) amplitude and frequency were unchanged, these events also ha

SUBMITTER: Li Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12559979 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature