The effect of α-bungarotoxin on spontaneous activity in the ventral nerve cord of Limulus polyphemus

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Abstract
The physiological action of α bungarotoxin in the central nervous system of the horseshoe crab Limulus polyphemus was investigated. Two types of effects were produced by the toxin. The predominant effect was an inhibition of spontaneous activity. However, in some instances α bungarotoxin caused a stimulation of activity. In both cases the action of the toxin resembled the effect of d-tubocurarine and opposed the effect of carbamylcholine. Both effects of α-bungarotoxin were maximal within 15 min and were sustained for at least 2 h. These results suggest that α-bungarotoxin acts as a cholinergic antagonist in the central nervous system of Limulus and are consistent with the specific binding of the toxin to an acetylcholine receptor.