K. Augustinsson, R. Fänge, A. Johnels
Feb 28, 1956
Citations
9
Influential Citations
122
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
The Journal of Physiology
Abstract
In the present paper an account is given of histological and experimental studies on the innervation of the heart in Myxine and Lampetra (Petromyzon). The reactions to drugs of the isolated hearts and the presence of acetylcholine (ACh), cholinesterases, histamine and catechol amines have been investigated. Green (1902) and Carlson (1904) during experimental work with the cyclostome Bdellostoma found that this vertebrate is peculiar in having no cardioregulative nerves. Fiinge & Ostlund (1954) found that the isolated heart of another myxinoid, Myxine, gives no or only weak responses to acetylcholine, adrenaline and noradrenaline. Ostlund (1954) reports that the heart of Myxine contains surprisingly great quantities of catechol amines. In contrast to myxinoids the petromyzontids have been shown to possess nervous elements in the heart. The presence of ganglion cells in the heart of Lampetra (Petromyzon) has been observed by Owsiannikof (1883), Ransom & Thompson (1886) and Tretjakof (1927). According to Ransom & Thompson (1886) and Julin (1887) the heart receives fibres from the vagus nerve, and Tretjakof (1927) noticed a rich network of sympathetic fibres in the sinus venosus. Gaskell (1912) investigated chromaffin cells in Lampetra and noticed that the heart contains some substance with an adrenaline-like effect upon bloodz pressure of the cat. Otorii (1953) reports that the isolated heart of Entosphenus is accelerated by acetylcholine, pilocarpine, physostigmine and choline muscarine, whereas adrenaline retards the heart frequency.