Stereoselective detection of amino acids by lobster olfactory receptor neurons

Biochemical and electrophysiological assays were used to test the hypothesis that the olfactory system of the Caribbean spiny lobster, Panulirus argus , contains populations of chemosensory receptors that are differentially sensitive to the L- and D-stereoisomers of the amino acid alanine. Independe...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Comparative Physiology A 1993, Vol.171 (6), p.705-712
Main Authors: MICHEL, W. C, TRAPIDO-ROSENTHAL, H. G, CHAO, E. T, WACHOWIAK, M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biochemistry. Physiology. Immunology
Biological and medical sciences
Crustacea
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Invertebrates
Marine
Panulirus argus
Physiology. Development
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Summary:Biochemical and electrophysiological assays were used to test the hypothesis that the olfactory system of the Caribbean spiny lobster, Panulirus argus , contains populations of chemosensory receptors that are differentially sensitive to the L- and D-stereoisomers of the amino acid alanine. Independent binding sites for L-alanine (dissociation constant (K sub(D)) of 6.6 mu M and maximum binding (B sub(max)) of 16.8 fmole/ mu g protein) and for D-alanine (k sub(D) of 21.6 mu M and B sub(max) of 17.8 fmole/ mu g protein) were characterized biochemically. The interaction of ligand with each binding site is rapid, reversible and saturable with respect to both time and concentration. Based on a difference of at least 20% in the relative sensitivity of an olfactory receptor cell to alanine enantiomers, 44% and 34% of the 77 neurons tested were classified as L-alanine and D-alanine sensitive, respectively. The relative sensitivity to alanine enantiomers was independent of the concentration tested. Stereoselective receptors are likely for 17 of 20 other amino acids tested.
ISSN:0340-7594
1432-1351
DOI:10.1007/bf00213067