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A sensorory input inhibiting heart rate in an insect, Rhodnius prolixus

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Abstract

The dorsal vessel of the blood feeding insect,Rhodnius prolixus, was found to increase or decrease its rate of contraction in response to a number of different stimuli. Handling increased contraction rates whereas tactile stimulation of the ventral abdominal cuticle inhibited contraction. Injection of very low concentrations of serotonin or of high concentrations of octopamine enhanced the inhibitory effect, apparently by acting via the nervous system. Higher concentrations of serotonin increased heart rate by acting directly on the myocardium. The inhibitory response is suggested to be one facet of a generalised thigmotactic response.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Natural Sciences and Mathematics Division, Redeemer College, L9G 3N6, Ancaster, Ontario, Canada

    R. G. Chiang & J. A. Chiang

  2. Department of Biology, York University, M3J 1P3, North York, Ontario, Canada

    K. G. Davey

Authors
  1. R. G. Chiang
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  2. J. A. Chiang
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  3. K. G. Davey
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Chiang, R.G., Chiang, J.A. & Davey, K.G. A sensorory input inhibiting heart rate in an insect, Rhodnius prolixus. Experientia 48, 1122–1125 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01948003

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01948003

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