Oscillatory contraction activity in Physarum

Abstract

The plasmodia of Physarum polycephalum show different oscillatory phenomena (time period approximately 1.3 min) in their contraction behaviour and their protoplasmic flow. The force generating system for these phenomena is cytoplasmic actomyosin. The biochemical nature and location(s) of the oscillator(s), i.e. the clock governing these phenomena are unknown. The following locations are discussed as possible sites of the oscillator: (1) cytoplasmic actomyosin, (2) the energy supply system, (3) inner Ca2+ stores, and (4) the plasmalemma, which must be involved at least in modulating the force generated by the contractile machinery during a chemotactic response. The following oscillatory phenomena were used to assess the effects of externally and internally applied substances (e.g. calcium antagonistic drugs, caffeine, D2O) on oscillating force output: (1) persistance of longitudinal contractile activity of veins (for external application of test substances), (2) persistance of radial activity of veins (for internal application of the test substances), (3) de novo generation of contractile activity in protoplasmic drops (external application). The data seem to exclude rhythmical Ca2+, Na+ or K+ transport across the plasmalemma as a triggering function for the oscillation. Contractile activity seems to represent a spontaneous, endogeneous oscillation which can be modulated via the plasmalemma during chemotaxis.