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Serotonin localization in Phallusia mammillata larvae and effects of 5‐HT antagonists during larval development
Author(s) -
Pennati Roberta,
Groppelli Silvia,
Sotgia Cristina,
Candiani Simona,
Pestarino Mario,
De Bernardi Fiorenza
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
development, growth and differentiation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.864
H-Index - 66
eISSN - 1440-169X
pISSN - 0012-1592
DOI - 10.1046/j.1440-169x.2001.00608.x
Subject(s) - ritanserin , serotonin , 5 ht receptor , ketanserin , biology , serotonin antagonists , medicine , endocrinology , receptor , receptor antagonist , antagonist , neurotransmitter , neurotransmitter receptor , central nervous system , biochemistry
The neurotransmitter 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT, serotonin) plays an important role in a wide range of non‐neural processes. Using immunofluorescence with an antiserotonin antibody, 5‐HT was localized in the brain and in some neurons of the larval tail of Phallusia mammillata . To test the effect of 5‐HT on development, we treated embryos with two different 5‐HT receptor subtype antagonists. Treatment at the gastrula stage with 10 μ M ondansetron, an antagonist of the 5‐HT 3 receptor, induced anterior truncation and a short tail. At 10 μ M , ritanserin, a 5‐HT 2B receptor antagonist, induced larval phenotypes characterized by a roundish trunk region with flat papillae. The juveniles developed from these larvae had an abnormal cardiocirculatory system: their heart contractions were ineffective and their blood cells accumulated in the heart cavity. We conclude that an appropriate level of 5‐HT is necessary for correct development and morphogenesis. Moreover, a different key role for multiple receptors in modulating the morphogenetic effects of 5‐HT is suggested.