Proctolin induces rhythmic contractions and spikes in Limulus heart muscle

The Limulus heart is neurogenic. If the cardiac ganglion is removed, all spontaneous contractions of the heart are abolished. Application of the pentapeptide proctolin (greater than 1 microM) causes the deganglionated heart muscle to beat with a frequency and amplitude slightly greater than those of a normal heart with an intact cardiac ganglion. At a proctolin concentration of 1 microM, rhythmic beating requires 2-10 min to develop, and up to 1 h of continuous washing is required to reverse the effect. A contracture often precedes the rhythmic contractions. Proctolin-induced rhythmicity occurs in the presence of tetrodotoxin (TTX) and in Na+-free saline. These effects of proctolin are not mediated by residual portions of the cardiac ganglion. Contractions are inhibited by Ca2+-free EGTA saline, CoCl2, MnCl2, and CdCl2. Proctolin causes no significant long-term changes in the myocardial resting potential or apparent input resistance. However, proctolin causes rhythmic 10- to 20-mV spikes that precede each contraction of the myocardium. Production of these spikes appears to be the mechanism by which proctolin causes rhythmic contractions in normally quiescent deganglionated myocardium of Limulus.