Monitoring real-time release of ATP from the molluscan central nervous system

The further understanding of neuronal function is imperative for the prevention and treatment of neurofunctional disorders. To aid in this realization, novel methods for monitoring neuronal cell function must be developed and characterized. In this study, we report the application of real-time imaging of luciferase-catalyzed ATP chemiluminescence for the investigation of ATP release from whole central nervous systems of the freshwater snail Lymnaea stagnalis. Release of ATP from Lymnaea ganglia varied among the different ganglia as well as within individual ganglia. Furthermore, the magnitude of ATP release varied following the stimulation of neurons with common neurotransmitters.