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Chemical Messengers in Development: A Hypothesis

McMahon, Daniel (1974) Chemical Messengers in Development: A Hypothesis. Science, 185 (4156). pp. 1012-1021. ISSN 0036-8075. doi:10.1126/science.185.4156.1012. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:20150729-125703577

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Abstract

The hypothesis that physiological and developmental regulatory mechanisms are similar has been presented. Well-known developmental systems chosen illustrate the capability of the model to suggest a simple mechanism underlying the effects on development of a diverse group of chemicals. This hypothesis might be applied to other systems including the induction of the lens, limb regeneration, and the induction of the head of hydra (124). I have proposed this hypothesis not only because it permits consideration of a complex and varied array of experimental observations as reflections of a simple basic biochemical mechanism, but because recent technical advances in instrumentation and methods allow it to be directly tested. The fluorescent antibody method for the cytochemical measurement of cyclic nucleotides provides a means for investigating changes in the concentrations of cyclic nucleotides in developing cells and could also be used to detect neurotransmitters in developing cells. Similarly, the scanning electron microscope in the emitted x-ray mode provides a method for measuring changes in the content and distribution of cations within developing cells. The hypothesis presented here suggests pleasing asceticism on the part of eukaryotes. It suggests that simple derivatives of metabolites, including neurotransmitters and cyclic nucleotides, are linked together as regulatory molecules throughout the eukaryotes. The neurotransmitters are suggested to have a more general role in information transmission in eukaryotes than is generally accepted. They are hypothesized to have progressed during evolution from being intracellular messengers to a role as intercellular messengers for the relatively slow communication of developmental informaton; and, finally, this process has culminated with their participation in the rapid intercellular communication mediated by nerves. The thought that the complex pictures of physiological regulation and of the construction of a complex multicellular organism like man might be painted with so few colors is quite satisfying.


Item Type:Article
Related URLs:
URLURL TypeDescription
http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.185.4156.1012DOIArticle
http://www.sciencemag.org/content/185/4156/1012PublisherArticle
http://www.jstor.org/stable/1738434JSTORArticle
Additional Information:© 1974 American Association for the Advancement of Science. I thank N. Goldberg for providing me with copies of papers in press and for stimulating discussions, and I have profited by the suggestions of C. Brokaw. The preparation of this article was supported by PHS grant GM 06965.
Funders:
Funding AgencyGrant Number
U. S. Public Health Service (USPHS)GM 06965
Issue or Number:4156
DOI:10.1126/science.185.4156.1012
Record Number:CaltechAUTHORS:20150729-125703577
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:20150729-125703577
Official Citation:Chemical Messengers in Development: A Hypothesis Daniel McMahon Science 20 September 1974: 185 (4156), 1012-1021. [DOI:10.1126/science.185.4156.1012]
Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:59065
Collection:CaltechAUTHORS
Deposited By: Tony Diaz
Deposited On:29 Jul 2015 20:03
Last Modified:10 Nov 2021 22:14

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