THE INTRINSIC RHYTHM OF THE TURTLE'S HEART STUDIED WITH A NEW TYPE OF CHRONOGRAPH, TOGETHER WITH THE EFFECTS OF SOME DRUGS AND HORMONES

Abstract

A chronograph is described for recording continuously the rates of many different kinds of rhythmic processes over long time periods. The rate is read directly from the length of a line of ink, drawn by a moving pen. Rates of beat of excised turtle's hearts in Ringer's solution have been recorded at 25°C. under constant conditions of temperature, pH, and oxygen supply for periods of 36 hours. Regular periodic variations in the fundamental rhythm are figured, as well as rates of extraordinary constancy. The effects of adrenalin, ephedrin, thyroxin, α and ß pituitary hormone insulin, nicotin, and atropin are described in the text.