Effect of 3,4-diaminopyridine on the time course of decay of compound muscle action potential augmentation in the Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome.

3,4-Diaminopyridine (3,4-DAP) is known to be beneficial in the symptomatic treatment of the Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS). The effects of 3,4-DAP on the decay of postexercise augmentation were observed in 6 patients with LEMS. After 10 s maximal voluntary contraction, the amplitude of the compound muscle action potential (CMAP) recorded from abductor digiti minimi decayed exponentially after an initial rise. The rate of decay in CMAP amplitude was increased after treatment with 3,4-DAP, suggesting that this drug has an effect on the efflux of calcium ions from the presynaptic nerve terminal.