Multiple release of peptides by electrically active neurosecretory caudo-dorsal cells of Lymnaea stagnalis.

The neurosecretory caudo-dorsal cells (CDC) of the freshwater snail Lymnaea stagnalis produce an ovulation hormone (CDCH), which is stored and released by CDC axon endings in the periphery of the intercerebral commissure. CDCH, released in vitro by electrically active CDC, has the same molecular weight as CDCH stored in the commissure. Electrically active CDC, pre-incubated with radioactive amino acids, release at least 4 labelled compounds, presumably peptides. One of these is probably identical to CDCH. The role of the other peptides in egg-laying is as yet unknown.