Cloning characterisation and expression of a G-protein-couple receptor from Lymnaea stagnalis and identification of a leucokinin-like peptide PSFHSWSamide as its endogenous ligand

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The Lymnaea Cardioexcitatory Peptide (LyCEP) Receptor: A G-Protein–Coupled Receptor for a Novel Member of the RFamide Neuropeptide Family

A novel G-protein–coupled receptor (GRL106) resembling neuropeptide Y and tachykinin receptors was cloned from the molluscLymnaea stagnalis. Application of a peptide extract from the Lymnaea brain to Xenopus oocytes expressing GRL106 activated a calcium-dependent chloride channel. Using this response as a bioassay, we purified the ligand for GRL106,Lymnaea cardioexcitatory peptide (LyCEP), an RFamide-type decapeptide (TPHWRPQGRF-NH2) displaying significant similarity to the Achatina cardioexcitatory peptide (ACEP-1) as well as to the recently identified family of mammalian prolactin-releasing peptides. In the Lymnaeabrain, the cells that produce egg-laying hormone are the predominant site of GRL106 gene expression and appear to be innervated by LyCEP-containing fibers. Indeed, LyCEP application transiently hyperpolarizes isolated egg-laying hormone cells. In theLymnaea pericardium, LyCEP-containing fibers end blindly at the pericardial lumen, and the heart is stimulated by LyCEPin vitro. These data confirm that LyCEP is an RFamide ligand for GRL10

Paris 1933: A 'Société des Esprits' Chaired by Paul Valéry

In October 1933, not long after the coming to power of the Nazis in Germany, an interesting group of European intellectuals gathered in the French capital to discuss 'the future of the European mind'. Writers and academics from all over Europe took part in the discussions that were organized by the League of Nations and chaired by the French poet and essayist Paul Valéry. Is it possible to see the discussions as successful examples of intellectual exchange, of sharing ideas concerning the problems of Europe? In this chapter special attention will be given to the contributions of Johan Huizinga, Hermann von Keyserling, Julien Benda, Pál Teleki, Jean Cantacuzène and Jules Romains. Did they succeed in becoming - as Valéry hoped - 'a power of transformation' that could rescue the world