Effects of low ozone-oxygen concentrations on the acetylcholine release at the mouse neuromuscular junction

Abstract The use of a mixture of low concentrations of ozone (O 3 ) with oxygen (O 2 ) have been proved to be useful in different human pathological conditions. Owing to a lack of both pharmacological and epidemiological basic studies, the scientific consideration of this therapeutic potential is still inappropriate. Here, we started, from an electrophysiological point of view, a study on the possible effects of low O 3 doses on the acetylcholine (ACh) release at the neuromuscular junction. Indeed, some experimental conditions indicate a positive effect either in maintaining cytosolic calcium (Ca 2+ ) homeostasis or in increasing the efficacy of the intracellular antioxidant systems. Furthermore, a positive action on the kinetics of some antioxidant enzymes must be taken into account as a possible molecular mechanism in the regulation of the function of cellular homeostasis. Our data demonstrate a reduction of evoked ACh release in the mouse neuromuscular junction. O 3 affects neither the spontaneous ACh release nor the kinetics of the ACh-receptor-channel complex. The results are compatible with a reduction of intracellular Ca 2+ and proved a molecular action of O 3 .