Differential effects of strychnine on crustacean slow, fast, and inhibitory neuromuscular systems

The effect of strychnine was studied on the slow, fast, and inhibitory systems in the abdominal extensor muscles of the crayfish. Strychnine nitrate (0.1 mg/ml and up) caused rapid block of the fast responses of the deep abdominal extensor muscles. The nerve and muscle remained directly excitable, and the blocked preparation contracted with added glutamate. It is concluded that strychnine acts mainly presynaptically or to neutralize the transmitter substance. No marked effect was observed on the purely slow superficial extensor muscles or on inhibitory systems. Essentially the same results were obtained in other slow and fast systems of Pachygrapsus and Panulirus. The possibility of a common transmitter substance for the slow and fast neuromuscular systems is discussed.