Meiri_1986_Brain.Res_385_193

The influence of the gonadosteroid hormone progesterone on synaptic transmission was studied using the frog neuromuscular preparation. Intracellular recording of synaptic potentials revealed enhanced release of acetylcholine from motor nerve terminals exposed to progesterone (3 nM-3 mM). The following effects were observed. An augmented quantal content of evoked release of transmitter; an elevation in synaptic facilitation; and a substantial increase in the rate of spontaneously occurring miniature endplate potentials. It is suggested that synaptic transmission at the neuromuscular junction may be naturally modulated by the physiologically oscillating level of progesterone.