Secretion of locally synthesized neurohormone from neurites of peptidergic neurons

Abstract

Local protein synthesis in neuronal processes is a common phenomenon and may play an important role in synaptic plasticity and hormonal regulation. We have used neuroendocrine bag cells of Aplysia californica as a model system to study local protein synthesis. In our previous work we found that bag cell neurites are capable of synthesizing and processing the prohormone of egg-laying hormone (pro-ELH). In the present study, we found that bag cell neurites are also capable of releasing locally synthesized pro-ELH and ELH-related products via both constitutive and regulated pathways. However, an electrical after discharge did not enhance local pro-ELH synthesis, as it does in the bag cell soma. This is the first evidence that isolated neurites are capable of secreting locally synthesized proteins.