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Putative NMDA receptors in Hydra: a biochemical and functional study
Paola Pierobon1, Cristiana Sogliano, Rosario Minei
1Institute of Cybernetics 'E. Caianiello' CNR, via Campi Flegrei 34, Bldg 70, 80078 Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy. p.pierobon@cib.na.cnr.it
The European Journal of Neuroscience
|November 19, 2004
Summary
Researchers found evidence of NMDA-like glutamate receptors in Hydra vulgaris, a freshwater polyp. These receptors modulate feeding behavior responses to reduced glutathione (GSH), suggesting a role in primitive nervous system function.
Area of Science:
- Neurobiology
- Invertebrate Zoology
- Molecular Pharmacology
Background:
- The feeding behavior of Hydra vulgaris is influenced by molecules acting as neurotransmitters.
- Understanding primitive nervous systems requires identifying conserved molecular mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and function of NMDA-like glutamate receptors in Hydra vulgaris.
- To elucidate the role of these receptors in modulating feeding responses.
Main Methods:
- Biochemical assays using [3H]MK-801 to identify binding sites.
- Functional studies involving NMDA receptor agonists and antagonists.
- In vivo experiments measuring response duration to reduced glutathione (GSH).
Main Results:
- Identified a population of binding sites for [3H]MK-801 with nanomolar affinity.
- NMDA receptor agonists (glutamate, glycine, NMDA) modulated [3H]MK-801 binding and GSH response duration.
- NMDA agonists decreased GSH response duration, an effect blocked by antagonists D-AP5 and DCKA.
- Co-administration of NMDA with glycine or d-serine strongly reduced response duration, suppressed by antagonists.
Conclusions:
- Biochemical and functional data support the presence of NMDA-like glutamate receptors in Hydra.
- These receptors appear to modulate the response to reduced glutathione (GSH).
- The observed effects suggest a role for these receptors in Hydra's feeding behavior modulation.