Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026
10:07
Physiological Experimentation with the Crayfish Hindgut: A Student Laboratory Exercise
Published on: January 18, 2011
Neuropeptide action in insects and crustaceans
Donald L Mykles1, Michael E Adams, Gerd Gäde
1Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA. donald.mykles@colostate.edu
Physiological and Biochemical Zoology : PBZ
|June 17, 2010
Summary
Neuropeptides coordinate physiological functions like molting and osmoregulation in invertebrates. These signaling molecules, acting via G protein-coupled receptors, modulate cyclic nucleotide and calcium levels for diverse biological processes.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neurobiology
- Comparative Physiology
Background:
- Physiological processes are regulated by neuropeptides.
- Neuropeptides often act through G protein-coupled receptors.
- They influence cyclic nucleotide and Ca(2+) levels in target tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the roles of neuropeptides in crustacean and insect physiology.
- To discuss neuropeptide involvement in molting, osmoregulation, metabolism, and cardiovascular function.
- To illustrate neuropeptide-mediated flexibility in physiological responses.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on neuropeptide function in invertebrates.
- Focus on signaling pathways involving cAMP, cGMP, and Ca(2+).
- Examples from decapod crustaceans and insects.
Main Results:
- Inhibitory neuropeptides (molt-inhibiting hormone, crustacean hyperglycemic hormone) suppress molting via cAMP/cGMP.
- Ecdysis-triggering hormone and downstream peptides control insect ecdysis.
- Hormones like adipokinetic/hypertrehalosemic/hyperprolinemic hormones mobilize energy.
- Peptides (crustacean cardioacceleratory, proctolin, FMRFamide-related) regulate crustacean cardiovascular function.
- Serotonin and diuretic/antidiuretic hormones manage osmoregulation in Rhodnius prolixus.
Conclusions:
- Neuropeptides are crucial for coordinating diverse physiological processes in invertebrates.
- Multiple neuropeptides provide flexibility in adapting to physiological challenges.
- G protein-coupled receptor-mediated signaling is a common mechanism.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:30Regulation of Food Intake
Short-term regulation of food intake primarily involves neural signals from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, blood nutrient levels, and GI tract hormones. Communication between the gut and brain via vagal nerve fibers plays a significant role in evaluating the contents of the gut. Clinical studies have shown that protein ingestion produces a more prolonged response in these nerve fibers compared to an equivalent amount of glucose. Additionally, the activation of stretch receptors caused by GI...
01:26Neurochemical Transmission: Sites of Drug Action
Neurochemical transmission, the conduction of electrical impulses between neurons mediated by neurotransmitters, plays a vital role in various physiological processes. Autonomic drugs exert their effects by modulating neurotransmission within the autonomic nervous system. For instance, drugs such as hemicholinium block the precursor uptake necessary for synthesizing acetylcholine, an essential autonomic neurotransmitter. Following synthesis, neurotransmitters are stored in vesicles. Metyrosine...
01:29Neuromuscular Junction And Blockade
The site of chemical communication between a motor neuron and a muscle fiber is called the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). The end of the motor neuron at the NMJ divides into a cluster of synaptic end bulbs. The cytoplasm of these bulbs consists of synaptic vesicles enclosing acetylcholine molecules, the principal neurotransmitter released at the NMJ. The region opposite the synaptic bulb that ends in the muscle fiber is called the motor end plate, which has acetylcholine receptors. Within the...