THE MODULATORY ACTIONS OF FMRFamide AND RELATED PEPTIDES ON LOCUST SKELETAL MUSCLE

1. The modulatory actions of FMRFamide and related peptides on tension generated in the extensor-tibiae muscle of the locust hindleg by stimulation of the slow excitatory motor neurone (SETi) depend upon the frequency of stimulation of SETi. They have no effect on the tension induced by the fast motor neurone (FETi) or upon the myogenic rhythm present in this muscle. 2. At low frequencies of SETi stimulation (lHz and below) the predominant modulatory effects are increases in the amplitude, contraction rates and relaxation rates of twitch tension. At higher frequencies, where twitches summate but tetanus is incomplete (up to 20 Hz) these effects are superimposed upon an increase of maintained tension. 3. FMRFamide increases the amplitude and relaxation rate of slow twitch tension by different amounts in different regions of the extensor muscle. It is likely that the effects of FMRFamide are restricted to slow muscle fibres that are innervated by SETi but not FETi. 4. The modulatory actions of FMRFamide on SETi-induced tension are additive to, but do not potentiate, the modulatory actions of octopamine and proctolin in this muscle. The actions of FMRFamide show some similarities with the modulatory actions of octopamine in this preparation but they are mediated by an independent receptor system that does not change cyclic nucleotide levels. Other actions of FMRFamide are similar to the actions of proctolin.