Sea anemones are marine invertebrates which belong to the most primitive group of animals with a nervous system. By investigating the nervous system of these animals we can learn the nature of neurotransmitter/humor prototypes and their evolution. Their functions can be studied using the new biotechnologies of antibody labelling and immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy to localize sites of synthesis and storage as well as the specific receptors that may exist for them. The research program will attempt to localize the novel neuropeptides to specific cell types and the nature of the connectivity and synaptic interactions among the different cells.
