Neurobiology of Mytilus Edulis

This text is a review of the nervous system of this marine bivalve from a biochemical, cellular, physiological and behavioural perspective. It provides a holistic approach to the study of this organism, fundamental to the study of higher forms. Existing data from a broad range of animal groups demonstrate striking similarities in regard to the chemical structure and mode of action of chemical signal molecules and, by providing a forum for current research on this animal, the contributors highlight the practical and heuristic value of a comparative approach to examining neural signal systems. The text provides information concerning opioid receptors and their relevance to mammals and gives insights into many neuroregulatory mechanisms. The similarity of the neural mechanism of Mytilus edulis and mammals that is detailed here aims to give the reader insight into the evolution of these signal systems and the potential of this bivalve as a biomedical "model". Tis volume will be of interest to physiologists and neurological specialists in the various life sciences as well as those working in the mariculture industry.