Ltrk is differentially expressed in developing and adult neurons of the Lymnaea central nervous system

The Trk receptor family plays diverse roles in both development and plasticity of the vertebrate nervous system. Ltrk is a related receptor that is expressed in the CNS of the mollusk Lymnaea, although little is known of its cellular distribution. This study provides three independent lines of evidence (based on RT-PCR, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry) that Ltrk is universally expressed by neurons and dorsal body cells of both the juvenile and the adult Lymnaea CNS. The highest level of expression by neuronal somata occurs in the late juvenile stage, whereas axon collaterals express high levels throughout the animal's life span. Our data support multifunctional roles for Ltrk that parallel those of its mammalian counterparts.