Peptide cotransmitter at a neuromuscular junction.

The neuropeptide proctolin (H-Arg-Tyr-Leu-Pro-Thr-OH) is present in the nerve terminals of an identified slow skeletal motoneuron in the cockroach. Proctolin is released onto the target muscle, a coxal depressor, by neuron stimulation and by depolarization with potassium. The physiological action of the motoneuron suggests that proctolin acts as a cotransmitter. Proctolin and neural stimulation produce delayed and sustained contractile effects without muscle depolarization.