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Biological activity of a cell extract from the dinoflagellate,Amphidinium carteri

Chesapeake Science

Abstract

Some physiological and pharmacological effects of cell extracts fromAmphidinium carteri cultures are described. Mice and fish were killed by injection of extracts from lyophilized cells concentrated by centrifugation.

Cellular extracts ofA. carteri increased the development of tension in crustacean hearts while inhibiting molluscan and amphibian heart activity. The inhibitory effect was blocked by pretreatment of molluscan hearts with Mytolon and amphibian hearts with atropine. Such physiological tests and recent chemical information indicate that a choline-like substance(s) is produced byA. carteri.

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Author notes

  1. Frederick P. Thurberg

    Present address: Milford Laboratory, U. S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Experimental Biology Investigations, 06460, Milford, Connecticut

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Zoology Department and Jackson Estuarine Laboratory, University of New Hampshire, 03824, Durham, New Hampshire

    Frederick P. Thurberg

  2. Milford Laboratory, U. S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Experimental Biology Investigations, 06460, Milford, Connecticut

    John J. Sasner

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  1. Frederick P. Thurberg
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  2. John J. Sasner
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Thurberg, F.P., Sasner, J.J. Biological activity of a cell extract from the dinoflagellate,Amphidinium carteri . Chesapeake Science 14, 48–51 (1973). https://doi.org/10.2307/1350702

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