DFP or eserine shift the dose-response curves of snail neuron E12 to ACh to the left

Abstract

1. 1. The sensitivity of an identified neuron (E12) in the brain of Helix aspersa was tested to ACh. 2. 2. E12 was hyperpolarized by ACh, the maximum hyperpolarization was 14 mV. A dose-response curve to ACh was determined ( n = 16). 3. 3. Eserine (10 −3 M) and DFP (10 −5 M) shifted the dose-response curve for ACh to the left, the effect of DFP being much greater than that of eserine. 4. 4. The preparation was made approximately 10 times more responsive to ACh by the presence of 10 −5 M DFP (at the 50% maximum response level) whilst 10 −3 M eserine made the preparation approximately twice as sensitive to ACh.