ISSN:
1573-5117
Keywords:
Turbellaria
;
regeneration
;
neurohormones
;
adenylate cyclase
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract Planarians are a good subject for studies of cell differentiation. Each multicellular organism is maintained by continuous production, differentiation and ageing of cellular elements. Each cell has a specific position defined by specific regional boundaries. After amputating a part of the body this positional information changes, involving, probably, the first range of cellular activation, the activation of membrane receptors. At the same time in an injured organism the level of neurohormones, which can be now coupled with activated receptors, increases. In the opinion of many authors neurohormones act on the regenerative cells through the medium of adenylate cyclase. This enzyme converts ATP to cAMP and by means of this cyclic nucleotide the second range of cellular activation is initiated i.e. changes of activation of cAMP dependent protein kinases. The sequence of these processes plays the principal role in the ensuing cell differentiation.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00026181
