Possibility of membrane reception of neurotransmitter in sea urchin early embryos

• Published in: Comparative biochemistry and physiology. C, Comparative pharmacology and toxicology Vol. 106; no. 1; p. 269
• Main Author: Shmukler, Y B
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01-09-1993
• Subjects: 8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin - metabolism; Animals; Cell Membrane - metabolism; Embryo, Nonmammalian; Neurotransmitter Agents - metabolism; Radioligand Assay; Receptors, Cell Surface - metabolism; Sea Urchins; Serotonin Antagonists - pharmacology
• ISSN: 0742-8413
• DOI: 10.1016/0742-8413(93)90282-P

1. Methiodide derivatives of serotonin blockers--inmecarb and KYur-14 which poorly penetrate the cells specifically affect the pattern of cleavage division in half-embryos of Paracentrotus lividus and Scaphechinus mirabilis. 2. Specific [3H]8-OH-DPAT binding under conditions strictly limiting penetration of the ligand into the cells of Strongylocentrotus intermedius was also shown (Kd approximately 3 x 10(-10) M for a site with the greatest affinity). 3. On the basis of the data obtained it is concluded that neurotransmitter-specific membrane receptors may be present in sea urchin embryos during cleavage divisions. The "protosynapse" hypothesis is proposed which suggests the existence of a specific structure responsible for early blastomere interaction involving transmitters.