NO news from insect brains

In nerve cells, the short-lived signalling molecule nitric oxide (NO) is generated by Ca 2+–calmodulin-stimulated NO synthases. Nitric oxide activates soluble guanylate cyclase in target cells, leading to the formation of cGMP. Biochemical investigations have shown the presence of a Ca 2+–calmodulin...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Trends in neurosciences (Regular ed.) 1998-08, Vol.21 (8), p.349-355
Main Author: Bicker, Gerd
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Biochemistry
Biochemistry. Physiology. Immunology
Biological and medical sciences
Brain Chemistry - physiology
Cells
cGMP
Drosophila melanogaster
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Humans
insect nervous system
Insecta
Insecta - physiology
Insects
Invertebrates
learning
Molecules
Nervous system
Neurons
nitric oxide
Nitric Oxide - physiology
olfaction
Physiology. Development
vision
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:In nerve cells, the short-lived signalling molecule nitric oxide (NO) is generated by Ca 2+–calmodulin-stimulated NO synthases. Nitric oxide activates soluble guanylate cyclase in target cells, leading to the formation of cGMP. Biochemical investigations have shown the presence of a Ca 2+–calmodulin-regulated NO–cGMP signalling mechanism in the nervous system of insects. Using NADPH–diaphorase staining as a marker for the enzyme NO synthase and an antiserum against cGMP, the cellular organization of NO donor and target cells has so far been resolved in the locust and fruit fly. This paper provides an overview of the cellular organization of NO signalling in the insect nervous system as well as highlighting its functions in olfactory information processing, formation of olfactory memory, vision, and neuronal development. The resolution of discrete donor and NO-responsive target cells in the developing nervous system of Drosophila will facilitate the genetic and pharmacological analysis of NO–cGMP signal transduction.
ISSN:0166-2236
1878-108X
DOI:10.1016/S0166-2236(98)01236-3