Abstract
The laterofrontal (LF) cirri on isolated gill filaments of Mytilus edulis, prepared in natural seawater, are active and initially beat with an average frequency of about 8 Hz (with a range of 6-14 Hz). However, the lateral (L) cilia on these filaments are arrested in a position at the end of their recovery stroke. Perfusion of the filament with artificial seawater (ASW), with or without 1% ethanol, has little or no biological effect on the activity of the LF cirri, although a transitory decrease in frequency often accompanies the perfusion process. The L cilia remain arrested during perfusion with ASW. The exposure of the gill to low levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT) (10(-8) less than 5HT less than 10(-7) M) has no effect on the activity of the LF cirri but stimulates the L cilia to beat. Exposure to higher concentrations of 5HT (greater than 10(-7) M) elevates the beat frequency of the L cilia and simultaneously inhibits the activity of the LF cirri, leading to their arrest in a position at the end of the effective stroke. This arrest of the LF cirri occurs as the L cilia attain a 5HT-induced beat frequency between 12 to 14 Hz. The influence of 5HT on the L cilia and the LF cirri can be reversibly mimicked or enhanced by the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX). A concentration of 0.5 mM IBMX mimics low 5HT concentrations (about 10(-7) M) by stimulating the L cilia to beat without affecting the beat frequency of the LF cirri. A combination of 10(-7) M 5HT and 0.5 mM IBMX in ASW mimics high (greater than 10(-6) M) 5HT concentrations by arresting the LF cirri and increasing the beat frequency of the L cilia. Under these conditions, the threshold of the LF cirri arrest response is again found to occur as the L cilia attain a beat frequency of 12-14 Hz. These results suggest that the mechanisms of LF cirri arrest and L cilia activation are mediated by 5HT-induced changes in intracellular cyclic AMP levels.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
