EFFECT OF SEROTONIN AND NEUROPEPTIDES ON ADENYLATE CYCLASE OF THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM AND PERIPHERAL ORGANS OF THE FRESHWATER SNAIL PLANORBARIUS CORNEUS

Abstract

The effect of serotonin, FMRFamide and the small cardioactive peptide B (SCPB) on adenylate cyclase activity of the central nervous system and some peripheral organs of the freshwater snail Planorbarius corneus was investigated. The amine and the cardioactive peptide stimulated the enzyme, although with different potencies, in all tissues studied and, when tested in combination, an additive activation was obtained. FMRFamide induced differential effects in the various targets: marked stimulation of adenylate cyclase, additive to that provoked by serotonin or SCPB, in salivary glands; inhibition of the enzyme, both alone and in combination with the other neuromediators, in the nervous tissue; whereas no influence was found in adenylate cyclase activity in the buccal mass. In the last of these tissues, the peptide might act through an intracellular second messenger other than cyclic AMP. The responsiveness of adenylate cyclase of these neuromediators in all the central ganglia suggested that they can exert an important role as neurotransmitters and/or neuromodulators in the central nervous system of the snail. Moreover, in the light of the differential sensitivity of adenylate cyclase in the salivary glands and buccal mass, we suggest that serotonin, FMRFamide and SCPB modulate the feeding behaviour of P. corneus in a complex way. Copyright © 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.