Summary
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1.
Using an enzymatic micromethod, the GABA content of various parts of the central nervous system of crustaceans (Astacus) and annelids (Lumbricus, Hirudo) were determined. Although high quantities of GABA could be found in the tissues of the crustaceans, the amounts of GABA in the annelid tissues were below the limits of detection (Table 1).
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2.
Incorporation of radioactivity from U14C-glutamate into GABA could be shown using crustacean nerve tissues but was not observed with annelid tissues (Figs. 1, 2).
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3.
GABA failed to block acetylcholine-produced contractions of body-wall muscles ofLumbricus (Fig. 4).
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4.
The present results do not support the hypothesis that GABA is identical with the inhibitory transmitter substance released by peripheral inhibitory nerves of annelids.
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This investigation was supported by Sonderforschungsbereich 138 of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft.
I am grateful to Prof. Dr. Ernst Florey and Dr. Larry Murdock for advice and discussion during this work and for preparing the English text. Miss Ursula Kliche provided excellent technical assistance.
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Koidl, B. The GABA content of the central nervous system of crustacea and annelida: a comparison. J. Comp. Physiol. 94, 49–55 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00610157
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00610157