Zinc antagonizes the effect of botulinum type A toxin at the mouse neuromuscular junction

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Abstract
Zn2+ (10–100 μM) elevated the frequency of miniature end-plate potentials (MEPPs) in the mouse diaphragm. The effect did not depend on external Ca2+. Botulinum type A toxin (BTXA, 50 ng/ml) abolished MEPPs almost completely within 30 min. Zn2+ (100 μM) restored MEPPs and increased their frequency after they had been abolished by BTXA in Ca2+-free solutions. The antagonistic effect of Zn2+ in the Ca2+-free solution was reduced by exposing the diaphragm to the toxin in the Ca2+-free solutions containing high K+. Thus, the action of BTXA is probably enhanced by depolarization of the motor nerve terminals.