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X-ray Diffraction from Contracting Molluscan Muscle

Nature volume 206, pages 824–825 (1965)Cite this article

Abstract

THE anterior byssus retractor muscle (ABRM) of Mytilus is a smooth muscle which, through its very low relaxation rate, is specialized for maintaining contraction for very long periods in vivo. Tonic contractions of this muscle lasting up to 20 h can be produced in vitro by stimulating electrically at a frequency of 2–3/min1. As a result of technical improvements2, detailed X-ray diffraction patterns can now be obtained from the living anterior byssus retractor muscle in 12 h or less (Fig. 1), and thus it has been possible to compare the X-ray diffraction patterns of the contracting and the resting muscle.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Medical Research Council, Biophysics Research Unit, King's College, 26–29 Drury Lane, London, W.C.2

    B. M. MILLMAN & G. F. ELLIOTT

Authors
  1. B. M. MILLMAN
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  2. G. F. ELLIOTT
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MILLMAN, B., ELLIOTT, G. X-ray Diffraction from Contracting Molluscan Muscle. Nature 206, 824–825 (1965). https://doi.org/10.1038/206824a0

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