Octopamine uptake systems in thoracic ganglia and leg muscles of Locusta migratoria

Abstract

1. The octopamine uptake systems of the metathoracic ganglion and the extensor tibiae muscle of Locusta migratoria consists of a saturable Na +-dependent and an insaturable Na +-independent component. 2. The Na +-dependent uptake component of the metathoracic ganglion consists of more than one subunits ( K D of the high affinity subunit 1.7 μmol), whereas the respective component of the extensor tibiae muscle does not ( K D = 60 μmol). 3. Pharmacological investigations have demonstrated distinct differences in the profiles of the uptake between both tissues. 4. Autoradiographic studies show that the main octopamine uptaking structures of the metathoracic ganglion are concentrated in the peripheral soma region. The extensor tibiae muscle, however, has no specialized uptake region.