Is tyramine a specific inhibitor of proctolin?

Samples of tyramine purchased from six different manufacturers were tested for their effectiveness and specificity in blocking proctolin- and neurally-evoked contractions of the superior longitudinal muscles of the locust (Locusta migratoria) rectum. It was found that tyramine was neither specific (in that it also blocked glutamatergic responses) nor consistent in its action, as samples purchased from different manufacturers gave a range of different results. The venom of the wasp Philanthus triangulum was used to block glutamatergic responses to enable proctolinergic responses to be studied in isolation. Thin layer chromatography was performed to determine the purity of the tyramine samples but no correlation could be made between purity and efficacy or specificity of proctolinergic antagonism. It is concluded that, due to the inconsistency and non-specificity of its action, tyramine should not be used as an antagonist for proctolin.