Regulation of acetylcholine receptor channel function during development of skeletal muscle.

The nicotinic acetylcholine (ACh) receptor channel mediates synaptic transmission at the neuromuscular junction. During the development of skeletal muscle, ACh receptors undergo changes in distribution, antigenic determinants, degradation rate, and function. Now that these developmental hallmarks have been identified, attention has turned toward understanding both the structural bases for such changes and the role of nerve in triggering these changes. Recently, a much clearer understanding of one of these developmental processes, namely, the alterations in channel function, has emerged through both sensitive patch-clamp measurements and the application of recombinant DNA technology. In light of these new advances, we now reevaluate the processes governing the developmental changes in the functional properties of the ACh receptor.