Identification and probable role of a single neurone containing the neuropeptide Helix FMRFamide

Recently, there has been intense interest in the possibility that peptides might function as neurotransmitters. Despite much progress, there remains no clear-cut example in which the production of a chemically characterized peptide may be ascribed to individual identifiable neurones of proven physiological role. Invertebrate systems have proved to be particularly valuable for the study of identified neurones, including those producing peptides. We have now identified a neurone in ganglia of Helix that is associated with a peptide of the Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-NH2 (FMRFamide) group, and which influences tentacle contraction. This system offers for the first time the capacity to study peptidergic transmission in a system in which both the cell soma and the postsynaptic target may be readily and reproducibly identified.