Current-dependent block of endplate channels by guanidine derivatives.

Methyl- and ethylguanidine block the endplate current in frog muscle. Both derivatives blocked inward-going endplate currents without affecting outward endplate currents. Repetitive stimulation that evoked several inward endplate currents enhanced the block, which suggests that these agents interact with open endplate channels. The relative conductance vs. potential curve exhibited a transition from a low to a high value near the reversal potential for the endplate current, both in normal and in 50% Na solution. In the latter solution, the reversal potential for endplate current was shifted by a mean value of 16 mV in the direction of hyperpolarization. The results suggest that methyl- and ethylguanidine block open endplate channels in a manner dependent on the direction of current flow rather than on the membrane potential.