Abstract
1. Methanolic extracts from the body wall of Eurythoe complanata (ExEc) were tested for biological activity on the isolated rat ileum. 2. ExEc produced either relaxation or relaxation followed by contraction of the rat ileum in a concentration-dependent manner. 3. The predominant relaxation response to ExEc was completely blocked by the beta-adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol and was unaffected by the alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist phenoxybenzamine. 4. The results indicate that the relaxation induced by ExEc is mediated by beta-adrenoceptors. The presence of a myorelaxing substance in E. complanata that selectively activates the beta-adrenoceptors is suggested.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 327-332 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. Part C, Comparative |
Volume | 104 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 1993 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology
- Pharmacology