title: AF1, a sequenced bioactive neuropeptide isolated from the nematode Ascaris suum.
abstract: An FMRFamide-like neuropeptide, named AF1, was isolated from head extracts of the nematode Ascaris suum using five steps of HPLC. AF1 is a heptapeptide with the amino acid sequence Lys-Asn-Glu-Phe-Ile-Arg-Phe-NH2. Synthetic AF1 (10(-9) to 10(-7) M) rapidly and reversibly abolished slow membrane potential oscillations of identified ventral and dorsal inhibitory motoneurons and selectively reduced their input resistances. Synaptic transmission was not blocked. In intact Ascaris, AF1 inhibited locomotory movements. This study indicates a potential physiological role for an endogenous neuropeptide in nematodes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Zoology, University of Wisconsin-Madison 53706.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cowden
authors.forename: A O
authors.initials: AO
authors.lastname: Stretton
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Davis
mesh_terms: D000200:Action Potentials; D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D001200:Ascaris / Q000032:analysis* / Q000502:physiology; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D008124:Locomotion / Q000502:physiology; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D009479:Neuropeptides; C063461:AF1 neuropeptide