Aminergic receptors in Drosophila melanogaster: responsiveness of adenylate cyclase to putative neurotransmitters.

Adenylate cyclase in Drosophila melanogaster heads is stimulated 5-6-fold by low concentrations of octopamine. The octopamine stimulation is inhibited by low concentrations of the alpha-adrenergic ligands phentolamine and dihydroergotamine and of chlorpromazine, but not by low concentrations of the beta-antagonist propranolol and by the alpha-antagonist yohimbine. d-Tubocurarine enhances the octopamine effect. Tyramine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine also stimulate the cyclase, probably via the octopamine receptor. Serotonin and dopamine stimulate Drosophila adenylate cyclase 1.3-1.4-fold; at least the latter putative neurotransmitter seems to interact with a receptor distinct from the octopamine receptor. Prolonged incubation with dopamine in vitro abolishes adenylate cyclase basal activity as well as responsiveness to guanyl nucleotides, NaF, and putative neurotransmitters.