Conopressin G, a molluscan vasopressin-like peptide, alters gill behaviors in Aplysia

Abstract

Superfusion of an invertebrate vasopressin structural analogue, conopressin G, over the abdominal ganglion of an in vitro preparation of Aplysia californica has significant neurophysiological and behavioral effects. Both the amplitude of the siphon-evoked gill withdrawal reflex and concomitant activity in gill motor neurons are reduced in the presence of conopressin G. Moreover, the frequency of spontaneous gill movements and their neural correlate, interneuron II activity, are increased. These behavioral modifications strongly resemble those that occur during the food-aroused behavioral state in intact Aplysia. In addition, conopressin G superfusion reduces both the excitability of gill motor neurons and the strength of gill contractions in response to gill motor neuron discharges elicited by direct depolarizing current. A role for conopressin G or a similar peptide in the modulation of gill behaviors associated with the food-aroused state is suggested.Key words: Aplysia californica, conopressin G, gill withdrawal reflex, spontaneous gill movements.