Activity changes induced by some biogenic amines on identified nerve cells of Aplysia depilans

Abstract

1. Changes induced by some biogenic amines on individual firing patterns of identified nerve cells of Aplysia depilans' abdominal ganglion have been examined. 2. m- and p-tyrosine and m- and p-tyramine did not affect the activity of the tested nerve cells. 3. The phenolic bases, candicine and leptodactiline, as well as murexine, another quaternary ammonium base, induced effects which were very similar to those of acetylcholine. 4. The conversion of quaternary nitrogen of the candicine molecule into a tertiary nitrogen (hordenine) decreased or eliminated the cholinomimetic activity.