Abstract

Octopuses are an emerging model organism in neurobiology given their capacity for intelligence and unique nervous systems. However, due to this novelty, nothing is currently known about most of the chemical signalling between their neurons. Given the historical significance of monoamine neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, epinephrine, etc.) in mammalian brains, combined with knowledge of serotonin signaling for octopus camouflage and the identification of prolific dopamine synthesis in their visual system, we chose to explore monoamine G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) in Octopus vulgaris. We identified two dopamine, two serotonin, and two norepinephrine GPC Rs, five of which we localised in the infant octopus brain. These results allow us to generate new hypotheses regarding the integration of monoamine receptors with other neurotransmission, especially relating to their use in processing visual information.