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[Cholinergic receptors in early (pre-nervous) sea urchin embryos]

G A Buznikov1, L Rakic

  • 1N. K. Kol'tsov Institute of Developmental Biology of the Russian Acad. Sci., Moscow, Russia.

Rossiiskii Fiziologicheskii Zhurnal Imeni I.M. Sechenova
|March 31, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonists cause calcium shock in sea urchin oocytes and embryos. However, nAChR ligands offer protection, suggesting functional receptors involved in early development.

Area of Science:

  • Marine biology
  • Developmental biology
  • Neurobiology

Context:

  • Early sea urchin embryogenesis is a model for studying fundamental biological processes.
  • Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are crucial in nervous system function.
  • Calcium signaling plays a vital role in cellular processes, including embryonic development.

Purpose:

  • To investigate the effects of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonists on early sea urchin embryogenesis.
  • To determine if nAChRs are present and functional in sea urchin oocytes and early embryos.
  • To explore the protective mechanisms of nAChR ligands against calcium-induced shock.

Summary:

  • Nicotine and 1-acetyl-4-methylpiperazine, nAChR agonists, do not affect early sea urchin embryogenesis but induce calcium shock in oocytes and embryos under specific conditions.
  • Numerous nAChR ligands demonstrate a protective effect against this calcium shock.
  • Evidence suggests the presence of putative nAChRs on the cell surface of early sea urchin oocytes and embryos.
  • Pre-nervous acetylcholine appears to be functionally linked to these receptors and downstream second messengers, including protein kinase C activators.

Impact:

  • This study reveals a novel role for nAChRs in early sea urchin development, beyond their known function in the nervous system.
  • Identifies potential therapeutic targets for mitigating developmental disruptions caused by calcium signaling imbalances.
  • Provides insights into the evolution of acetylcholine signaling pathways in marine invertebrates.

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