Actomyosin networks linked to the micro-environment through the plasma membrane are thought to be key players in regulating cell behaviors within multicellular tissues, such as converging and extending mesoderm. Here, we observe the dynamics of actin contractions called 'punctuated actin contractions' in the mid-cell body of embryonic mesenchymal cells in the mesoderm. These contraction dynamic...

Reference 1. Cross-Villasana F, Gröpel P, Doppelmayr M, Beckmann J (2015) Unilateral Left-Hand Contractions ProduceWidespread Depression of Cortical Activity after Their Execution. PLoS ONE 10(12): e0145867. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0145867 PMID: 26709832 Fig 2. Spectral plot of the last second during contractions (black), first second after contractions (red), and their difference (gray). A) F...

Enhanced spontaneous contractions are associated with overactive bladder. Elevated levels of reactive oxygen species might contribute to enhanced spontaneous contractions. We investigated the regulation of spontaneous contractions and the effects of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in intact rat bladder strips. The spontaneous contractions were measured using a tissue bath system. The vehicle or the sp...

The amplitude and mean power spectral frequency (MNF) of the electromyogram (EMG) of flexor digitorum superficialis and extensor carpi radialis muscles were monitored during cyclic, force-varying, constant-posture, submaximal, grip-force contractions until endurance. These contractions are reminiscent of work tasks associated with the risk of repetitive stress injuries. Based on recommendations...

Simultaneous overnight oesophageal pH and manometric and sleep electroencephalographic recordings were performed in eight healthy subjects, aged 20-38 years, to test the hypothesis that the frequency of primary, swallow related contractions decreases progressively with deeper sleep stages whereas the frequency of secondary contractions remains constant throughout the night. During the nocturnal...

The time relation between flexor spasms, detrusor contractions and anal sphincter activity was recorded in a consecutive series of 111 patients with hyperreflexic bladder and flexor spasms. In 76 of the patients flexor spasms were preceded by detrusor contractions. The opposite pattern, namely detrusor contractions preceded by flexor spasms, was seen in only nine patients. The anal sphincter ac...

Inhibitory effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on blood vessel contractions induced by various constrictor stimulants were investigated in the rat thoracic aorta. The inhibitory effects of DHA were also compared with those of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and linoleic acid (LA). DHA exhibited a strong inhibitory effect on the sustained contractions induced by U46619, a TXA(2) mimetic. This inhi...

Endogenous ghrelin causes interdigestive contractions of the stomach in rats. In contrast, previous studies showed that 5-HT(3) and 5-HT(4) receptors were involved in regulating intestinal interdigestive contractions. We studied the possible role of endogenous ghrelin and 5-HT regulating interdigestive gastrointestinal (GI) contractions in rats. Four strain gauge transducers were implanted on t...

BACKGROUND The reticulum plays a crucial role in the ruminant digestive tract because the primary cycle of rumen motility always starts with a reticular contraction. In contrast to cattle, there are only few results on the ultrasonographic examination of the reticulum in goats. Therefore, it was the goal of the present study, to describe the results of ultrasonography of the reticulum of 30 hea...