ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the physiological functions of selected peptides in gastropod molluscs, as well as the contribution of some classic neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine as it relates to selected physiological processes in gastropods. Animal cells can receive information from the external and internal environment in the form of light–dark cues, nutrients, temperature, water, and ion concentrations, and then process this information to coordinate cellular activities in the whole organism. Gastropod molluscs are of economic importance to humans as well. In many regions of the world, abalone, conch, escargot, periwinkles, and whelks are considered delicacies. Peptides are the largest and most diverse group of extracellular signaling molecules, and probably represent an evolutionarily ancient form of chemical communication. A commonly used approach is to identify molluscan peptides employs radioimmunoassay or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays directed against the amidated C-terminus of peptides, since a-amidation is a common chemical modification of secreted peptides.
