Scheller R H, Kaldany R R, Kreiner T, Mahon A C, Nambu J R, Schaefer M, Taussig R
Science. 1984 Sep 21;225(4668):1300-8. doi: 10.1126/science.6474178.
The Aplysia neuroendocrine system is a particularly advantageous model for cellular and molecular studies because of the relatively small number and large size of its component neurons. Recombinant DNA techniques have been used to isolate the genes that encode the precursors of peptides expressed in identified neurons of known function. The organization and developmental expression of these genes have been examined in detail. Several of the genes encode precursors of multiple biologically active peptides that are expressed in cells which also contain classical transmitters. These studies, as well as immunohistochemical studies and the use of intracellular recording and voltage clamp techniques are the first steps toward revealing the mechanisms by which neuropeptides govern simple behaviors.
由于海兔神经内分泌系统的组成神经元数量相对较少且体积较大，因此它是细胞和分子研究中一个特别有利的模型。重组DNA技术已被用于分离编码在已知功能的特定神经元中表达的肽前体的基因。这些基因的组织和发育表达已得到详细研究。其中几个基因编码多种生物活性肽的前体，这些肽在也含有经典递质的细胞中表达。这些研究，以及免疫组织化学研究和细胞内记录与电压钳技术的应用，是揭示神经肽控制简单行为机制的第一步。
