-Acetyl Neuraminic Acid (NANA) Activates L-Type Calcium Channels on Isolated Tentacle Supporting Cells of the Sea Anemone ().

AbstractSensory receptors control nematocyst discharge on sea anemone tentacles. Micromolar -acetylated sugars (, -acetyl neuraminic acid [NANA]) bind chemoreceptors on ectodermal supporting cells and predispose adjacent nematocyst discharge in response to mechanical contact a cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent sensitization pathway, while higher NANA levels dose-dependently desensitize. Recent evidence implicates L-type calcium channels in desensitizing the pathway in aconitate sea anemones (also known as ).