Abstract
Contractions of the longitudinal musculature from strobilae of the rat tapeworm Hymenolepis diminuta were measured by means of a force transducer. Stretching caused an increase in both the rate and the amplitude of spontaneously occurring contractions while brief stretches could elicit contractions in quiescent preparations. The application of 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) produced variable results; in some preparations there was an increase in the frequency, but not the amplitude, of spontaneous contractions, while in others there was a decrease in both frequency and amplitude of spontaneous contractions. The application of glutamate elicited powerful contractions of the longitudinal muscles in all preparations and restored rhythmic contractions to quiescent preparations.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have