Serotonin involvement in larval settlement of the barnacle,Balanus amphitrite

Abstract

Following our previous report (Yamamoto et al. [1995] Zool. Sci., 12:391–396) in which we demonstrated that protein kinase C (PKC) plays an important role in larval metamorphosis of the barnacle Balanus amphitrite, we examined the effects of a range of neurotransmitters, including serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine), epinephrine, and norepinephrine on cyprid settlement and metamorphosis. Serotonin induced pronounced larval settlement. Furthermore, settlement was inhibited by neurotransmitter uptake blockers, such as amitriptyline, imipramine, and desipramine, in a concentration-dependent manner. Cyprids exposed to these uptake blockers metamorphosed without settling on substrata. These results suggest that serotonin is involved in larval settlement. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.