The mechanism of action of phenolic substances (phenol, catechol and hydroquinone) at the neuromuscular junction was studied. Use was made of intracellular recording of membrane potential and of ionophoretic micro-application of acetylcholine. Phenolic substances greatly increased the size of end-plate potential in curarized nerve-muscle preparation without altering the sensitivity of the end-plate to acetylcholine. Phenols increased the degree of neuromuscular depression. It is concluded that phenolic substances act on motor nerve endings increasing the amount of the transmitter released by a single nerve impulse.

Phenolic substances increase the amount of transmitter released by a single nerve impulse, increasing neuromuscular depression.

Paper

The action of phenolic substances on motor nerve endings.

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