EFFECTS OF GLUTAMIC-ACID ON DEFENSIVE AND FEEDING-BEHAVIOR OF THE LAND SNAIL HELIX-LUCORUM

Behavioural effects-of glutamic acid injection into the body cavity we re investigated in the land snail Helix lucorum. An injection itself i nduced some non-coordinated defensive reactions leading to a partial w ithdrawal into a shell. The defensive tentacle reflex was facilitated probably due. to an activation of the tentacle muscles. The defensive reflex of the pneumostome closure changed in different directions depe nding on the injected dose of glutamic acid. Feeding behaviour was inh ibited by a high dose of glutamic acid. The most pronounced inhibition of the-feeding behaviour was induced by N-methyl-DL-aspartic acid.