Functions of neuromediators in plants

In plants, neurotransmitters play a major biological role in chemo-signaling, as regulating agents of growth and development, membrane permeability, etc. In the plant cells, there are also main elements of cholinergic and aminergic systems including the enzymes as well as functional analogues of cholino- and aminoreceptors. It is important that the systems should be taken into consideration in fertilizing and chemical interaction of the plant cells. Acetylcholine and cholinesterase were shown to be secreted in male sexual cells (the pollen). Depression of cholinesterase on the gene level correlates with male sterility. Preliminary treatment of a female gametophyte with antagonists of acetylcholine and histamine, prior to pollination, blocked the normal process of fertilizing. Cholinesterase was also found in secrets released from the pollen surface and pistil.