The neuropeptide proctolin acts directly onLimulus cardiac muscle to increase the amplityde of contraction

Authors

Jack A. Benson, Friedrich Miescher-Institut
Robert E. Sullivan, University of Hawaii
Winsor H. Watson III, University of New Hampshire, DurhamFollow
George J. Augustine Jr., University of MarylandFollow

Abstract

The pentapeptide proctolin increases the amplitude of contraction but not heart beat frequency of the isolated heart ofLimulus polyphemus. It acts directly on the heart muscle and has no effects on the neurones of the cardiac ganglion or on the cardiac neuromuscular EJPs. A peptide with molecular weight, enzymatic susceptibilities and physiological effects similar to those of proctolin occurs in theLimulus cardiac ganglion. It is suggested that proctolin, or a family of proctolin-like peptides, may modulate muscle contraction in more than one subphylum of the Arthropoda.

Department

Jackson Estuarine Laboratory, Biological Sciences

Publication Date

6-1-1981

Journal Title

Brain Research

Publisher

Elsevier

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.1016/0006-8993(81)90252-3

Document Type

Article

Rights

© 1981 Published by Elsevier B.V.

Recommended Citation

Benson, J., G. Augustine, and W. H. Watson. l98l. The pentapeptide proctolin acts directly on Limulus cardiac muscle to increase the amplitude of contractions. Brain Research 2l3: 449-454. https://doi.org/10.1016/0006-8993(81)90252-3