Student Work

Neuromuscular transmitters in the horseshoe crab

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We perfused neuromuscular transmitter (NMT) candidates through semi-intact legs of the horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) during motor nerve stimulation, and measured claw closing strength. Glutamate and Aspartate enhanced, and GABA inhibited, contracture. But while the amino acids produced results typical of arthropod muscle, contractions were most strongly potentiated by eserine and inhibited by methyllycaconitine, which respectfully enhance and block Acetylcholine. We conclude that Acetylcholine, the vertebrate NMT, is also an endogenous excitor of Limulus muscle.

  • This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.
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Identifier
  • 04D121M
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Year
  • 2004
Date created
  • 2004-01-01
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