Science and Mathematics Faculty Publications
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2004
Journal Title
Acta Protozoologica
Volume
43
Issue
1
First Page
15
Last Page
20
Abstract
Chemorepellents are signaling molecules, which have been shown to be important for mammalian neuronal development, and are presumed to have a role in protozoan defense. Tetrahymena thermophila represent a good model system in which to study repellents because of their ease of use in biochemical, behavioral, electrophysiological, and genetic analyses. In this study, we have used Tetrahymena as a model in which to study the chemorepellent, PACAP. Using behavioral and biochemical (EIA) assays, we have found that the NO/cGMP pathway plays an important role in PACAP signaling. An increase in intracellular calcium is also critical for PACAP avoidance, which appears to be mediated through a pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein.
Keywords
chemorepellent, G-protein, nitric oxide, PACAP-38
Recommended Citation
Lucas, J., Riddle, M., Bartholomew, J., Thomas, B., Forni, J., L.E. Nickerson, B. Van Heukelum, J. Paulick, H. Kuruvilla, (2004). PACAP-38 signaling in Tetrahymena thermophila involves NO and cGMP. Acta Protozoologica, 43 (1), 11-17.
