ISSN:
1573-5117
Keywords:
Neuropeptides
;
neurones
;
coelenterates
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract Coelenterate neurones produce peptides containing an Arg-Phe-NH2(RF-amide)-like carboxyterminus. RF-amide-like peptides are located in neuronal dense-cored vesicles, indicating that they are released by exocytosis and that they might function as neurotransmitters or neurohormones. Using a radioimmunoassay for the sequence RF-amide, 3 peptides were isolated from the sea anemone Anthopleura elegantissima: 〈 Glu-Gly-Arg-Phe-NH2(Antho-RF-amide), 〈Glu-Ser-Leu-Arg-Trp-NH2(Antho-RWamide I) and 〈Glu-Gly-Leu-Arg-Trp-NH2(Antho-RW-amide II). The general structure of these peptides can be described as 〈Glu...Arg-X-NH2, where X is an aromatic amino acid. From the hydromedusa Polyorchis penicillatus, the peptide 〈Glu-Leu-Leu-Gly-Gly-Arg-Phe-NH2(Pol-RF-amide I) was isolated, which also belongs to the 〈Glu...Arg-X-NH2 family. Using specific antisera, it was shown that all 4 peptides were located in neurones, many of which were associated with smooth muscle fibres. Application of low doses of Antho-RF-amide or of Antho-RW-amide I and II induced contractions of endodermal muscles of sea anemones. This suggests that these peptides are transmitters or modulators at neuromuscular junctions.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00026513
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