Potentiation of acetylcholine-induced skeletal muscle contractions in vitro by prostaglandin F2α in the lizard, Crotaphytus collaris

Abstract

Acetylcholine-induced in vitro contractions of the puboischiotibialis muscle was potentiated by pretreatment with prostaglandin F2α (1.5 ng/mL). This phenomenon was exhibited by both sexually active male and female Crotaphytus collaris collaris and the degree of response was similar in both sexes. However, females exhibited a greater mean (±SE) percent increase as well as more variation than males (males, 54.6 ± 10.9%; females, 114.7 ± 61.4%). These data suggest that prostaglandin F2α plays a role in the control of striated muscle function in lizards. Moreover, prostaglandin potentiation of muscle contraction may be important during the reptilian reproductive cycle, particularly at the time of oviposition.