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The effect of the molluscicide Frescon on smooth and cross-striated muscles of Lymnaea stagnalis and Helix aspersa

1983; Elsevier BV; Volume: 20; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/0048-3575(83)90099-8

1095-9939

B. L. Brezden, D.R. Gardner,

Mollusks and Parasites Studies

The molluscicide Frescon (N-(triphenylmethyl)morpholine) induces prolonged, irreversible contractions (contractures) in the isolated heart ventricle, penis retractor, and foot muscles of the aquatic snail Lymnaea stagnalis. It also causes contracture of the penis retractor muscle, but not the heart ventricle, of the terrestrial snail Helix aspersa. Since Frescon-induced contracture is not accompanied by a depolarization of the sarcolemma of Lymnaea heart ventricle muscle cells, it is suggested that the action of this molluscicide is associated with a membrane potential-independent activation of the contractile machinery. The rapid response of Lymnaea musculature to Frescon suggests that the direct contracture-inducing action of this molluscicide could explain its toxicity to the whole animal.