The neuropeptide Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-NH2 (FMRFamide) can activate a ligand-gated ion channel in Helix neurones.
This report presents evidence that the molluscan neuropeptide FMRFamide can directly activate a ligand-gated ion channel in Helix neurones. Using the patch-clamp technique we have observed unitary currents activated by the application of FMRFamide onto outside-out patches. As for the whole-cell response, Na+ ions are the main charge carriers. We conclude that FMRFamide may act as a fast depolarizing neurotransmitter in the Helix nervous system.
Department of Biology and Preclinical Medicine, University of St. Andrews, Fife, UK.
G A
GA
Cottrell
K A
KA
Green
N W
NW
Davies
D000818:Animals; D004553:Electric Conductivity; D019835:FMRFamide; D006372:Helix, Snails / Q000502:physiology*; D007447:Invertebrate Hormones / Q000494:pharmacology; D015640:Ion Channel Gating / Q000502:physiology; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*
D007447:Invertebrate Hormones; D007473:Ion Channels; D009479:Neuropeptides; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D019835:FMRFamide