C. elegans Study on the Neurotransmitter Secretion-Promoting Effects of Scallop-Derived Plasmalogen

Food and Nutrition Sciences. 2025 June;16(6):729-740.
Riku Inoue, Kazuichi Sakamoto

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), a widely used model organism, was cultured for 96 hours in a medium containing scallop-derived plasmalogen (Pls, 5 mg/mL), and neurotransmitter secretion levels were evaluated. Compared with the control group, the Pls-treated group showed a significant increase in dopamine levels (***p < 0.001). Levels of serotonin and oxytocin were also significantly increased (*p < 0.05). Reduced levels of dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin are known to be associated with aging, depression, and cognitive decline. These findings suggest that scallop-derived plasmalogen may contribute to restoring neurotransmitter secretion levels under the experimental conditions.