Heat Production Associated with Neuromuscular Transmission in the Toad Nerve-Muscle Preparation

Abstract

The time course of the heat produced by the toad sartorius muscle in response to nerve stimulation was determined by using a new type of heat-sensor with a high time resolution. The records obtained showed the existence of a brief burst of large heat production prior to the onset of the muscle heat associated with contraction. This initial heat-burst was shown to be produced at the motor endplates. The implications of these findings are discussed. © 1990, PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF JAPAN. All rights reserved.