title: Neuropeptides in identified Aplysia neurons.
abstract: Extensive electrophysiological experiments on Aplysia neurons have resulted in an understanding of simple behaviors in terms of the activities of a single identified neurons. Beginning with the work of Kupfermann & Kandel, neuropeptides in Aplysia have become increasingly implicated as chemical agents that control or affect behavior. Several neuropeptides have been isolated and characterized; recently, the genes that code for several of these neuropeptides have been isolated. Studies of neuropeptide gene expression and the behaviors affected thereby have been bridged in the egg-laying hormone neuroendocrine system. The role of polyproteins in coordinating complex, fixed-action patterns is beginning to emerge. The continued investigation of this neuroendocrine system, and the other cell-specific polyproteins that have been characterized more recently, promises to yield further insights into the roles of neuropeptides in governing behavior.
authors.forename: R R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Kaldany
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Nambu
authors.forename: R H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Scheller
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001048:Aplysia / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005724:Ganglia / Q000502:physiology*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007447:Invertebrate Hormones / Q000502:physiology; D008124:Locomotion; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000502:physiology; D010058:Oviposition; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000302:isolation & purification; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000502:physiology; D009435:Synaptic Transmission
chemical_list: D007447:Invertebrate Hormones; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; C026880:egg-laying hormone, Mollusca; D004247:DNA