Circadian regulation of Limulus visual functions:A role for octopamine and cAMP

摘要

The purpose of this contribution is to review our current understanding of the source and biochemistry of the circadianefferent input to the eyes of the American horseshoe crab Limulus polyphemus and the impact of this input on the structure,physiology and biochemistry of Limulus eyes. Special emphasis is given to the role of the biogenic amine octopamine and biochemicalcascades it activates in the eyes. In addition to reviewing published data, we present new data showing that octopamineelevates cAMP levels in Limulus lateral eyes, and we partially characterize the pharmacology of the receptors involved in this response.We also present new data showing that octopamine regulates gene expression in Limulus lateral eyes by activating acAMP