43 - Role of Lys-Conopressin in the Control of Male Sexual Behavior in Lymnaea stagnalis

• Published in: Hormones, Brain and Behavior, Five-Volume Set pp. 317 - 330
• Main Authors: van Soest, Paul F., Kits, Karel S.
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 2002
• ISBN: 012532104X; 9780125321044
• DOI: 10.1016/B978-012532104-4/50045-7

This chapter describes the current insights into the role of Lys-conopressin, an analog of vasopressin and oxytocin, in the control of male sexual behavior in the freshwater snail, Lymnaea stagnalis. The molecular biology of Lys-conopressin and its receptors, the effects of Lys-conopressin on central neurons, and the role of Lys-conopressin and other neuropeptides in the peripheral control and modulation of the male sexual organs have been studied in detail. Taken together, the results from these studies shed light on the way in which a neuropeptide may contribute to the control of a complex behavior such as copulation. The predatory marine snails from the Conus genus are well-known for their venom, which has proven to be a rich source of various receptor and ion channel antagonists, and conotoxins. In addition to these antagonists, the Conus venom also contains various receptor agonists that are capable of inducing behavioral changes in higher vertebrates.