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Inotropic response elicited by nematocyst contents of Hydra oligactis (Coelenterata: Hydrozoa)
G E Lesh-Laurie1, S L DiBlasi, P E Suchy
1Department of Biology, Cleveland State University, Ohio 44115.
Abstract:
1. Intact, isolated nematocysts from the non-toxic, freshwater coelenterate Hydra oligactis contain soluble material(s) capable of producing a sustained increase in the rate of developed force in the vertebrate myocardium. 2. The positive inotropic effects of this material(s) appear grossly comparable to those described for Anthopleurin-A (AP-A) and Toxin II (ATX-II) from sea anemones. 3. The effects of the nematocyst material are distinct from those of known vasoactive peptides reported to occur in Hydra.