الفهرس 
IntroductionOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Schistosomes are among the most complex parasites affecting humans. Neuronal signaling in schistosomes is mediated by a variety of neurotransmitters and associated receptors as dopamine and glutamate. Both have been implicated in the control of neuromuscular function and movement but their mode of action is largely unknown. Here we provide the first molecular evidence for the existence of dopamine and glutamate receptors in Schistosoma mansoni. Two glutamate receptors were identified: (SmGluR) and (SmGBP). The third receptor described in this thesis, SmD2, is structurally related to dopaminergic type 2 receptors. SmD2 is localized entirely in the body wall musculature of both male and female worms and larvae. Together these results suggest that SmD2 and SmGluR could play important roles in the control of schistosome movement. The widespread distribution of these receptors, combined with their unusual structures and pharmacological profiles, make them promising targets for discovery of new anti-schistosomal drugs.