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Science 29 June 2001:
Vol. 292. no. 5526, pp. 2486 - 2488
DOI: 10.1126/science.1059833
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Reports

Nitric Oxide and the Control of Firefly Flashing

Barry A. Trimmer,1* June R. Aprille,1 David M. Dudzinski,2 Christopher J. Lagace,1 Sara M. Lewis,1 Thomas Michel,23 Sanjive Qazi,1 Ricardo M. Zayas1

Bioluminescent flashing is essential for firefly reproduction, yet the specific molecular mechanisms that control light production are not well understood. We report that light production by fireflies can be stimulated by nitric oxide (NO) gas in the presence of oxygen and that NO scavengers block bioluminescence induced by the neurotransmitter octopamine. NO synthase is robustly expressed in the firefly lantern in cells interposed between nerve endings and the light-producing photocytes. These results suggest that NO synthesis is a key determinant of flash control in fireflies.

1 Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA.
2 Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and
3 Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
*   To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: barry.trimmer{at}tufts.edu

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