@misc{TroppmannBalfanzKrachetal.2014,
  author    = {Troppmann, Britta and Balfanz, Sabine and Krach, Christian and Baumann, Arnd and Blenau, Wolfgang},
  title     = {Characterization of an Invertebrate-Type Dopamine Receptor of the American Cockroach, Periplaneta americana},
  series = {International journal of molecular sciences},
  volume    = {15},
  journal   = {International journal of molecular sciences},
  number    = {1},
  publisher = {MDPI},
  address   = {Basel},
  issn      = {1422-0067},
  doi       = {10.3390/ijms15010629},
  pages     = {629 -- 653},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {We have isolated a cDNA coding for a putative invertebrate-type dopamine receptor (Peadop2) from P. americana brain by using a PCR-based strategy. The mRNA is present in samples from brain and salivary glands. We analyzed the distribution of the PeaDOP2 receptor protein with specific affinity-purified polyclonal antibodies. On Western blots, PeaDOP2 was detected in protein samples from brain, subesophageal ganglion, thoracic ganglia, and salivary glands. In immunocytochemical experiments, we detected PeaDOP2 in neurons with their somata being located at the anterior edge of the medulla bilaterally innervating the optic lobes and projecting to the ventro-lateral protocerebrum. In order to determine the functional and pharmacological properties of the cloned receptor, we generated a cell line constitutively expressing PeaDOP2. Activation of PeaDOP2-expressing cells with dopamine induced an increase in intracellular cAMP. In contrast, a C-terminally truncated splice variant of this receptor did not exhibit any functional property by itself. The molecular and pharmacological characterization of the first dopamine receptor from P. americana provides the basis for forthcoming studies focusing on the significance of the dopaminergic system in cockroach behavior and physiology.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{ScheweBlenauWalz2012,
  author    = {Schewe, Bettina and Blenau, Wolfgang and Walz, Bernd},
  title     = {Intracellular pH regulation in unstimulated Calliphora salivary glands is Na+ dependent and requires V-ATPase activity},
  series = {The journal of experimental biology},
  volume    = {215},
  journal   = {The journal of experimental biology},
  number    = {8},
  publisher = {Company of Biologists Limited},
  address   = {Cambridge},
  issn      = {0022-0949},
  doi       = {10.1242/jeb.063172},
  pages     = {1337 -- 1345},
  year      = {2012},
  abstract  = {Salivary gland cells of the blowfly Calliphora vicina have a vacuolar-type H+-ATPase (V-ATPase) that lies in their apical membrane and energizes the secretion of a KCl-rich primary saliva upon stimulation with serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine). Whether and to what extent V-ATPase contributes to intracellular pH (pH(i)) regulation in unstimulated gland cells is unknown. We used the fluorescent dye BCECF to study intracellular pH(i) regulation microfluorometrically and show that: (1) under resting conditions, the application of Na+-free physiological saline induces an intracellular alkalinization attributable to the inhibition of the activity of a Na+-dependent glutamate transporter; (2) the maintenance of resting pHi is Na+, Cl-, concanamycin A and DIDS sensitive; (3) recovery from an intracellular acid load is Na+ sensitive and requires V-ATPase activity; (4) the Na+/H+ antiporter is not involved in pHi recovery after a NH4Cl prepulse; and (5) at least one Na+-dependent transporter and the V-ATPase maintain recovery from an intracellular acid load. Thus, under resting conditions, the V-ATPase and at least one Na+-dependent transporter maintain normal pH(i) values of pH.7.5. We have also detected the presence of a Na+-dependent glutamate transporter, which seems to act as an acid loader. Despite this not being a common pH(i)-regulating transporter, its activity affects steady-state pH(i) in C. vicina salivary gland cells.},
  language  = {en}
}
@misc{BlenauRotteKrachetal.2009,
  author    = {Blenau, Wolfgang and Rotte, Cathleen and Krach, Christian and Balfanz, Sabine and Baumann, Arnd and Walz, Bernd},
  title     = {Molecular characterization and localization of the first tyramine receptor of the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana)},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus-44335},
  year      = {2009},
  abstract  = {The phenolamines octopamine and tyramine control, regulate, and modulate many physiological and behavioral processes in invertebrates. Vertebrates possess only small amounts of both substances, and thus, octopamine and tyramine, together with other biogenic amines, are referred to as "trace amines." Biogenic amines evoke cellular responses by activating G-protein-coupled receptors. We have isolated a complementary DNA (cDNA) that encodes a biogenic amine receptor from the American cockroach Periplaneta americana, viz., Peatyr1, which shares high sequence similarity to members of the invertebrate tyramine-receptor family. The PeaTYR1 receptor was stably expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells, and its ligand response has been examined. Receptor activation with tyramine reduces adenylyl cyclase activity in a dose-dependent manner (EC50 350 nM). The inhibitory effect of tyramine is abolished by co-incubation with either yohimbine or chlorpromazine. Receptor expression has been investigated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemistry. The mRNA is present in various tissues including brain, salivary glands, midgut, Malpighian tubules, and leg muscles. The effect of tyramine on salivary gland acinar cells has been investigated by intracellular recordings, which have revealed excitatory presynaptic actions of tyramine. This study marks the first comprehensive molecular, pharmacological, and functional characterization of a tyramine receptor in the cockroach.},
  language  = {en}
}
@misc{BlenauRotteWitteetal.2009,
  author    = {Blenau, Wolfgang and Rotte, Cathleen and Witte, Jeannine and Baumann, Otto and Walz, Bernd},
  title     = {Source, topography and excitatory effects of GABAergic innervation in cockroach salivary glands},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus-44353},
  year      = {2009},
  abstract  = {Cockroach salivary glands are innervated by dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons. Both transmitters elicit saliva secretion. We studied the distribution pattern of neurons containing gamma-aminobutyric acid ( GABA) and their physiological role. Immunofluorescence revealed a GABA-immunoreactive axon that originates within the subesophageal ganglion at the salivary neuron 2 (SN2) and this extends within the salivary duct nerve towards the salivary gland. GABA-positive fibers form a network on most acinar lobules and a dense plexus in the interior of a minor fraction of acinar lobules. Co-staining with anti-synapsin revealed that some putative GABAergic terminals seem to make pre-synaptic contacts with GABA-negative release sites. Many putative GABAergic release sites are at some distance from other synapses and at distance from the acinar tissue. Intracellular recordings from isolated salivary glands have revealed that GABA does not affect the basolateral membrane potential of the acinar cells directly. When applied during salivary duct nerve stimulation, GABA enhances the electrical response of the acinar cells and increases the rates of fluid and protein secretion. The effect on electrical cell responses is mimicked by the GABA(B) receptor agonists baclofen and SKF97541, and blocked by the GABAB receptor antagonists CGP52432 and CGP54626. These findings indicate that GABA has a modulatory role in the control of salivation, acting presynaptically on serotonergic and/or dopaminergic neurotransmission.},
  language  = {en}
}
@misc{BlenauTroppmannWalz2007,
  author    = {Blenau, Wolfgang and Troppmann, Britta and Walz, Bernd},
  title     = {Pharmacology of serotonin-induced salivary secretion in Periplaneta americana},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus-44319},
  year      = {2007},
  abstract  = {The acinar salivary gland of the cockroach, Periplaneta americana, is innervated by dopaminergic and serotonergic nerve fibers. Stimulation of the glands by serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) results in the production of a protein-rich saliva, whereas stimulation by dopamine results in saliva that is protein-free. Thus, dopamine acts selectively on ion-transporting peripheral cells within the acini, and 5-HT acts on protein-producing central cells. We have investigated the pharmacology of the 5-HT-induced secretory activity of isolated salivary glands of P. americana by testing several 5-HT receptor agonists and antagonists. The effects of 5-HT can be mimicked by the non-selective 5-HT receptor agonist 5-methoxytryptamine. All tested agonists that display at least some receptor subtype specificity in mammals, i.e., 5-carboxamidotryptamine, (+/-)-8-OH-DPAT, (+/-)-DOI, and AS 19, were ineffective in stimulating salivary secretion. 5-HT-induced secretion can be blocked by the vertebrate 5-HT receptor antagonists methiothepin, cyproheptadine, and mianserin. Our pharmacological data indicate that the pharmacology of arthropod 5-HT receptors is remarkably different from that of their vertebrate counterparts. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.},
  language  = {en}
}
@phdthesis{Blenau2006,
  author    = {Blenau, Wolfgang},
  title     = {Aminerge Signaltransduktion bei Insekten},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus-7568},
  school      = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam},
  year      = {2006},
  abstract  = {Biogene Amine sind kleine organische Verbindungen, die sowohl bei Wirbeltieren als auch bei Wirbellosen als Neurotransmitter, Neuromodulatoren und/oder Neurohormone wirken k{\"o}nnen. Sie bilden eine bedeutende Gruppe von Botenstoffen und entfalten ihre Wirkungen {\"u}ber die Bindung an eine bestimmte Klasse von Rezeptorproteinen, die als G-Protein-gekoppelte Rezeptoren bezeichnet werden. Bei Insekten geh{\"o}ren zur Substanzklasse der biogenen Amine die Botenstoffe Dopamin, Tyramin, Octopamin, Serotonin und Histamin. Neben vielen anderen Wirkung ist z.B. gezeigt worden, daß einige dieser biogenen Amine bei der Honigbiene (Apis mellifera) die Geschmacksempfindlichkeit f{\"u}r Zuckerwasser-Reize modulieren k{\"o}nnen. Ich habe verschiedene Aspekte der aminergen Signaltransduktion an den „Modellorganismen" Honigbiene und Amerikanische Großschabe (Periplaneta americana) untersucht. Aus der Honigbiene, einem „Modellorganismus" f{\"u}r das Studium von Lern- und Ged{\"a}chtnisvorg{\"a}ngen, wurden zwei Dopamin-Rezeptoren, ein Tyramin-Rezeptor, ein Octopamin-Rezeptor und ein Serotonin-Rezeptor charakterisiert. Die Rezeptoren wurden in kultivierten S{\"a}ugerzellen exprimiert, um ihre pharmakologischen und funktionellen Eigenschaften (Kopplung an intrazellul{\"a}re Botenstoffwege) zu analysieren. Weiterhin wurde mit Hilfe verschiedener Techniken (RT-PCR, Northern-Blotting, in situ-Hybridisierung) untersucht, wo und wann w{\"a}hrend der Entwicklung die entsprechenden Rezeptor-mRNAs im Gehirn der Honigbiene exprimiert werden. Als Modellobjekt zur Untersuchung der zellul{\"a}ren Wirkungen biogener Amine wurden die Speicheldr{\"u}sen der Amerikanischen Großschabe genutzt. An isolierten Speicheldr{\"u}sen l{\"a}ßt sich sowohl mit Dopamin als auch mit Serotonin Speichelproduktion ausl{\"o}sen, wobei Speichelarten unterschiedlicher Zusammensetzung gebildet werden. Dopamin induziert die Bildung eines v{\"o}llig proteinfreien, w{\"a}ßrigen Speichels. Serotonin bewirkt die Sekretion eines proteinhaltigen Speichels. Die Serotonin-induzierte Proteinsekretion wird durch eine Erh{\"o}hung der Konzentration des intrazellul{\"a}ren Botenstoffs cAMP vermittelt. Es wurden die pharmakologischen Eigenschaften der Dopamin-Rezeptoren der Schaben-Speicheldr{\"u}sen untersucht sowie mit der molekularen Charakterisierung putativer aminerger Rezeptoren der Schabe begonnen. Weiterhin habe ich das ebony-Gen der Schabe charakterisiert. Dieses Gen kodiert f{\"u}r ein Enzym, das wahrscheinlich bei der Schabe (wie bei anderen Insekten) an der Inaktivierung biogener Amine beteiligt ist und im Gehirn und in den Speicheldr{\"u}sen der Schabe exprimiert wird.},
  subject      = {Neurotransmitter-Rezeptor},
  language  = {de}
}