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Metabolism and inactivation of neurotransmitters in nematodes

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 April 2009

R. E. Isaac ,
D. Macgregor  and
D. Coates
R. E. Isaac*
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
D. Macgregor
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
D. Coates
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
*
*Correspondence author.
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Summary

The nematode nervous system employs many of the same neurotransmitters as are found in higher animals. The inactivation of neurotransmitters is absolutely essential for the correct functioning of the nervous system, In this article we discuss the various mechanisms used generally in animal nervous systems for synaptic inactivation of neurotransmitters and review the evidence for similar mechanisms operating in parasitic and free-living nematodes. The sequencing of the entire Caenorhabditis elegans genome means that the sequence of nematode genes can be accessed from the C. elegans database (ACeDB) and this wealth of information together with the increasing knowledge of the genetics of this free-living nematode will have great impact on all aspects of nematode neurobiology. The review will provide an insight into how this information may be exploited to identify and characterize target proteins for the development of novel anti-nematode drugs.

Keywords

Neuropeptidesacetylcholineγ-aminobutyric aciddopamineserotoninoctopaminebiogenic aminesmono-amine oxidaseN-acetyl transferasetransporter proteinsCaenorhabditis elegans
Type
Research Article
Information
Parasitology , Volume 113 , supplement S1: Molecular biochemistry and physiology of helminth neuromuscular systems , January 1996 , pp. S157 - S173
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1996

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