Part 1 General aspects: neurosecretion - the beginnings; stereo-specificity as a determining force stabilizing families of signal molecules within the context of evolution. Part 2 Molluscan studies: peptide pharmacology on giant neurons of a giant snail (Achatina fulica Ferrussac); effects of the catch-relaxing peptide on identified neurons of the snail Helix pomatia L.; distinct responses to opiate peptides and FNRFamide on B-neurons of the Aplysia cerebral ganglia; opioid peptides, nociception and analgesia in molluscs; neuropeptides isolated from Mytilus edulis (Bivalvia) and Fusinus ferrugineus (Prosobranchia); neuropeptide modulation of central neuronal networks and peripheral targets in terrestrial slugs; peptidergic neurons in the aging molluscan brain; neuronal control of male reproductive function in pulmonate and opisthobranch gastropods; evolutionary aspects of morphology and function of peptidergic systems, with particular reference to the pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis. Part 3 Arthropod studies: peptidergic modulation of synaptic transmission in locust skeletal muscle; the molecular basis for steroid regulation of eclosion hormone action in the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta; neurosecretory ending in the pericardial organs of the shore crab, Carcinus maenus L. and their identification by neuropeptide-immunochemistry, H.Dircksen; biological effects of crustacean cardioactive peptide (CCAP), a putative neurohormone/neurotransmitter from crustacean pericardian organs; neuropeptides and neurotransmitters in the X-organ sinus gland complex, an important neuroendocrine function integration centre in the eyestalk of Crustacea; neurohormone D - function and inactivation; involvement of neuropeptides in insect water regulation - the African locust model - comparison with other insects and vertebrate systems. Part 4 Euchiuroid neuropeptides: structures and actions of neuropeptides isolated from an Echiuroid worm, Urechis unicinctus. Part 5 Vertebrate studies: purines - neuromodulators and metabolic regulators of bioreactivity in the nervous system; a common mechanism of excitation of the area postrema neurons by several neuropeptides, hormones and monoamines; regulation by neuropeptides of amino acid transmitter release in mammalian brain and retina; comparative aspects of the submicroscopical immunocytochemical localization of neuropeptides; the interaction of posterior pituitary neuropeptides with dopamine in experimental drug addiction - the relevance of rodent models; Part 6 Neuro-immunology: neuropeptides and neuropeptide receptors in the immune system; opioid neuropeptides in invertebrate hemolymphs; comparative aspects of the response of human and immunocytes to stimulation by opioid neuropeptides; modulation of leukocyte migration by alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone.
