Evidence for mediation of a neuronal interaction by a behaviorally active peptide

Egg laying hormone, a peptide neurohormone with an approximate molecular weight of 6000, was isolated from the region of the abdominal ganglion of Aplysia that contains the neuroendocrine bag cells and purified by gel filtration chromatography, isoelectric focusing, and dialysis. A 1-min local application of egg laying hormone to the identified neuron R15 produced prolonged (greater than 1 hr) augmentation of impulse activity in this neuron. The distinctive quality and prolonged duration of the response are apparently identical to the previously described response to electrically elicited bag cell activity. The results provide evidence that egg laying hormone is the mediator of this prolonged neuronal interaction.