Small cardioactive peptide-like immunoreactivity and its colocalization with FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity in the central nervous system of the leech Hirudo medicinalis

Summary The distributions of small cardioactive peptide (SCP)- and FMRFamide-like immunoreactivities in the central nervous system of the medicinal leech Hirudo medicinalis were studied. A subset of neurons in the segmental ganglia and brains was immunoreactive to an antibody directed against SCP_B. Immunoreactive cell bodies were regionally distributed throughout the nerve cord, and occurred both as bilaterally paired and unpaired neurons. The majority of the unpaired cells displayed a tendency to alternate from side to side in adjacent ganglia. A small number of neurons were immunoreactive only in a minority of nerve cords investigated. Intracellular injections of Lucifer yellow dye and subsequent processing for immunocytochemistry revealed SCP-like immunoreactivity in heart modulatory neurons but not in heart motor neurons. FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity was also detected in cell bodies throughout the central nervous system. A subset of neurons contained both SCP- and FMRFamide-like immunoreactivities; others stained for only one or the other antigen. These data suggest that an antigen distinct from FMRFamide is responsible for at least part of the SCP-like immunoreactivity. This antigen likely bears some homology to the carboxyl terminal of SCP_A and SCP_B.     

Distribution of FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity in the brain and neurohypophysis of the lamprey,Lampetra japonica

Summary Distribution of molluscan cardio-excitatory tetrapeptide Phe—Met—Arg—Phe—NH₂ (FMRFamide) was determined by means of immunohistochemistry in the brain and neurohypophysis of the lamprey, Lampetra japonica. Many FMRFamide-like immunoreactive neurons were found in the periventricular nuclear region and in a region near the mammillary recess. Neurons situated in the former region were larger. The immunoreactive cell groups were shown to be located at sites differing from those of the AF-positive cell groups. The fibers of immunoreactive neurons extended in all directions within the brain and towards the spinal cord, some reaching the third ventricle and capillaries. Thus, FMRFamide-like immunoreactive peptides appear to function as neurotransmitters or neuromodulators and possibly also as neurohormones. FMRFamide-like immunoreactive material was rarely observed in the posterior neurohypophysis (neural lobe), but was noted to be present to a limited extent in the caudal part of the anterior neurohypophysis (median eminence). It would thus follow that FMRFamide-like immunoreactive neurons may not necessarily be related to the hypothalamo-neural lobe system, but may possibly be associated with the hypothalamoadenohypophysial system. The pineal body showed no FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity.     

Co-localization of peptides in the Brockmann bodies of the cod (Gadus morhua) and the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Endocrine cells exhibiting immunoreactivity to FMRFamide-like, LPLRFamide-like, neuropeptide Y(NPY)-like and peptide YY(PYY)-like peptides were found in the periphery of the Brockmann bodies of the cod, Gadus morhua, and rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. No immunoreactivity or very weak labelling was found with antisera to pancreatic polypeptide (PP). Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)-like immunoreactivity was found in nerve fibres, whereas labelling with VIP antiserum in endocrine cells disappeared after preincubation with nonimmune serum. There were always more immunoreactive cells in the rainbow trout than in the cod. No immunoreactivity could be seen with antisera to gastrin/cholecystokinin (CCK) or enkephalin. Double-labelling studies were performed to study the colocalization of the peptides in peripheral endocrine cells. Cells immunoreactive to NPY were also labelled with antisera to FMRFamide, LPLRFamide and PYY. The co-localization pattern of NPY varied; in some Brockmann bodies, a population of the immunoreactive cells showed co-localization and others contained NPY-like immunoreactivity only, whereas in other Brockmann bodies, all NPY-labelled cells also contained FMRFamide-like, LPLRFamide-like and PYY-like immunoreactivity. Cells immunoreactive to PYY similarly contained FMRFamide-like, LPLRFamide-like and NPY-like immunoreactivity, comparable to the patterns observed with NPY. Glucagon-like immunoreactivity was found at the periphery of the Brockmann bodies. A subpopulation of the glucagon-containing cells contained NPY-like immunoreactivity. PYY-like immunoreactivity was also found co-localized with glucagon-like immunoreactivity, as were FMRFamide-like and LPLRFamide-like immunoreactivity. Therefore, either NPY-like and PYY-like immunoreactivity together with FMRFamide-like and LPLRFamide-like immunoreactivity occur in the same endocrine cells of the Brockmann body of the cod and rainbow trout, or a hybrid NPY/PYY-like peptide recognized by both NPY and PYY antisera is present in the Brockmann body.     

Distribution of FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity in the nervous system of the slug Limax maximus

Summary The distribution of FMRFamide-like immunoreactive neurons in the nervous system of the slug Limax maximus was studied using immunohistochemical methods. Approximately one thousand FMRFamide-like immunoreactive cell bodies were found in the central nervous system. Ranging between 15 m and 200 m in diameter, they were found in all 11 ganglia of the central nervous system. FMRFamide-like immunoreactive cell bodies were also found at peripheral locations on buccal nerve roots. FMRFamide-like immunoreactive nerve fibres were present in peripheral nerve roots and were distributed extensively throughout the neuropil and cell body regions of the central ganglia. They were also present in the connective tissue of the perineurium, forming an extensive network of varicose fibres. The large number, extensive distribution and great range in size of FMRFamide-like immunoreactive cell bodies and the wide distribution of immunoreactive fibres suggest that FMRFamide-like peptides might serve several different functions in the nervous system of the slug.     

An FMRFamide antiserum differentiates between populations of antigens in the ventral nervous system of the locust,Schistocerca gregaria

Summary The distribution of FMRFamide immunoreactive neurones in the ventral nerve cord of the locust, Schistocerca gregaria, is described. These neurones are found only in the suboesophagael and thoracic ganglia, although immunoreactive processes are found in the neuropils of the abdominal ganglia. Many of these neurones also react with an antiserum raised against bovine pancreatic polypeptide (BPP), but this antiserum also reveals another population of cells in the abdominal ganglia. The staining obtained with the BPP antiserum is blocked by preabsorption of the antiserum with FMRFamide; the converse is not true: FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity is not suppressed by preincubation with BPP. These results suggest that there are at least two endogenous peptide antigens in the locust nerve cord: one is found in cells of the suboesophageal and thoracic ganglia, and the other is found in cells of the abdominal ganglia.     

Immunocytochemical mapping of FMRFamide-like peptides in the argasid tick Ornithodoros parkeri and the ixodid tick Dermacentor variabilis

FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity was studied in the argasid tick Ornithodoros parkeri and the ixodid tick Dermacentor variabilis using immunocytochemistry based on the peroxidase-antigeroxidase method. FMRFamide-like immunoreactive cells are widely distributed in various regions of the tick synganglion including protocerebral, cheliceral, stomodeal, palpal, pedal I–IV, and opisthosomal regions in both species. However, there is one layer of immunoreactive cells located on the dorsal surface of the postoesophageal part of the synganglion that is found only in D. variabilis. Besides the immunoreactivity within the cell body and its axons, the neuropile and the neural lamella (the extracellular sheath of the synganglion) are rich in immunoreactive materials. Some coxal muscles are innervated by the FMRFamide-like immunoreactive processes of the nerve from the pedal ganglion.     

FMRFamide immunoreactive neurons in the central nervous system of the snail,Achatin a fulica

• 1.1. FMRFamide immunoreactive neurons were detected in the central nervous system of the snail, Achatina fulica.
• 2.2. FMRFamide immunoreactive neurons were found in all the ganglia comprising the central nervous system. In particular, the immunoreactivity was recognized in both the ordinary and giant neurons of the visceral and right parietal ganglia.
• 3.3. In the cerebral and pleural ganglia, FMRFamide immunoreactive neurons were found only in the ordinary neurons. The immunoreactivity was shown to have a tendency to form a group in the cerebral and pedal ganglia.

     

Distribution of FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity in the brain and suboesophageal ganglion of the sphinx mothManduca sexta and colocalization with SCPB-, BPP-, and GABA-like immunoreactivity

Summary Using an antiserum against the tetrapeptide FMRFamide, we have studied the distribution of FMRFamide-like substances in the brain and suboesophageal ganglion of the sphinx mothManduca sexta. More than 2000 neurons per hemisphere exhibit FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity. Most of these cells reside within the optic lobe. Particular types of FMRFamide-immunoreactive neurons can be identified. Among these are neurosecretory cells, putatively centrifugal neurons of the optic lobe, local interneurons of the antennal lobe, mushroom-body Kenyon cells, and small-field neurons of the central complex. In the suboesophageal ganglion, groups of ventral midline neurons exhibit FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity. Some of these cells have axons in the maxillary nerves and apparently give rise to FMRFamide-immunoreactive terminals in the sheath of the suboesophageal ganglion and the maxillary nerves. In local interneurons of the antennal lobe and a particular group of protocerebral neurons, FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity is colocalized with GABA-like immunoreactivity. This suggests that FMRFamide-like peptides may be cotransmitters of these putatively GABAergic interneurons. All FMRFamide-immunoreactive neurons are, furthermore, immunoreactive with an antiserum against bovine pancreatic polypeptide, and the vast majority is also immunoreactive with an antibody against the molluscan small cardioactive peptide SCP_B. Therefore, it is possible that more than one peptide is localized within many FMRFamide-immunoreactive neurons. The results suggest that FMRFamide-related peptides are widespread within the nervous system ofM. sexta and might function as neurohormones and neurotransmitters in a variety of neuronal cell types.Abbreviations AL antennal lobe - BPPLI bovine pancreatic polypeptide-like immunoreactivity - FLI FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity - GLI GABA-like immunoreactivity - NSC neurosecretory cell - SCP _B LI small cardioactive peptide_B-like immunoreactivity - SLI serotonin-like immunoreactivity - SOG suboesophageal ganglion     

Neuropeptides regulate the cardiac activity of a prosobranch mollusc,Rapana thomasiana

Summary Involvement of neuropeptides in the regulation of cardiac activity in a prosobranch mollusc, Rapana thomasiana, was studied physiologically as well as immunohistochemically. A catch-relaxing peptide (CARP) showed strong inhibitory effects on the heart with a lower threshold than acetylcholine. The action of CARP was in contrast to that of another neuropeptide, FMRFamide, which has previously been shown to enhance the heart beat. Benzoquinonium blocked the effects of acetylcholine and stimulation of right cardiac nerves 1 and 3b, but not those of CARP, suggesting that the effects of nerve stimulation are mainly due to the release of acetylcholine. Immunohistochemical examinations demonstrated that FMRFamide-like and CARP-like immunoreactive neurons are distributed in the visceral ganglia. Although a neuron appeared to show weak immunoreactivity to both antisera, evidence for the coexistence of peptides in a single neuron was not exhibited. Positive immunoreactivity to FMRFamide and CARP antisera also appeared in right cardiac nerves 1 and 3. In the heart, FMRFamide- and CARP-like immunoreactive fibers were restricted to the atrium and the aortic end of the ventricle, consistent with the morphological observation of innervation. The present results suggest that FMRFamide- and CARP-like peptides are involved in regulating the heart beat.     

Action and immunoreactivity of neuropeptides in the buccal neuromuscular system of a prosobranch mollusc,Rapana thomasiana

Summary In a prosobranch mollusc, Rapana thomasiana, the catch-relaxing peptide H-Ala-Met-Pro-Met-Leu-Arg-Leu-NH₂ (CARP) was found to depress the contraction of the radula protractor and retractor elicited by electrical stimulations. The action of CARP was in contrast to that of other neuropeptides, H-Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-NH₂ (FMRFamide) and H-Phe-Leu-Arg-Phe-NH₂ (FLRFamide), which enhanced the contraction of the radula protractor and retractor, respectively. By immunohistochemical examinations, FMRFamide-like immunoreactive neurons were found on the rostral side of the right buccal ganglion and the caudal side of the left ganglion, where some CARP-like immunoreactive neurons were also distributed, indicating a possible coexistence of FMRFamide and CARP. FMRFamide- and CARP-like immunoreactivities were also detected in the neuropile of buccal ganglia, radula nerves arising from the ganglia, and nerve fibers in the radula muscles. The present results suggest that FMRFamide- and CARP-like peptides are involved in the regulation of the contraction of the radula muscles.     

Peptidergic regulation of the Limulus midgut

1. The morphology and innervation of the midgut (intestine) in the horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus was investigated. The organization of this tissue was examined with routine histology. Radioimmunoassay, immunohistochemistry and high performance liquid chromatography were employed to detect, localize and identify peptidergic innervation of the midgut. The actions of synthetic and native proctolin-like and FMRFamide-like peptides were compared on the isolated midgut preparation. 2. Levels of proctolin and FMRFamide were determined in extracts of Limulus midgut tissue using radioimmunoassay. High levels of proctolin-like immunoreactivity (69.5 +/- 11.3 ng/g) were detected, while levels of FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity (0.8 +/- 0.2 ng/g) were less. Proctolin levels were equally distributed, while the levels of FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity exhibited an anterior bias. 3. Proctolin- and FMRFamide-like immunoreactivities in the Limulus midgut were localized with immunohistochemistry. Proctolin- and FMRFamide-immunoreactive elements were detected in intestinal nerve branches and individual fibers running along the surface of the midgut in whole-mount preparations. In sectioned tissue, staining for these peptides was observed throughout the midgut, typically associated with muscle bands and fibers. Only a few immunoreactive cell bodies were observed. 4. Proctolin, and several FMRFamide-like peptides produced distinct and opposing actions on the isolated Limulus midgut preparation. Proctolin elicited contracture and rhythmic contractions of this tissue, while FMRFamide and N-terminally extended analogs of FLRFamide relaxed gut tension. FMRFamide-like peptides partially reversed the excitatory actions of proctolin. 5. Proctolin- and FMRFamide-like peptides in Limulus midgut extracts were partially characterized with high performance liquid chromatography. One peak of proctolin-like activity was detected on a linear gradient of 18 to 31.5% acetonitrile. The native proctolin-like peptide produced excitatory actions on the isolated midgut preparation which were indistinguishable from those produced by synthetic proctolin. Several peaks of FMRFamide-like bioactivity (Busycon radula protractor muscle assay) were detected with a linear gradient of 5 to 30% acetonitrile. Fractions from two distinct peaks produced FMRFamide-like inhibitory effects on the isolated Limulus midgut preparation. These findings suggest a role for proctolin-like and FMRFamide-like peptides as regulators of intestinal motility in Limulus.     

Distribution of FMRFamide-like immunoreactive neurons in the central nervous system of the snail Helix pomatia

Summary The distribution of FMRFamide-like immunoreactive (FLI) neurons and their morphological characteristics have been investigated in the central nervous system of the snail, Helix pomatia L. Approximately phageal ganglion complex. More than 50% of the FLI neurons were located in the cerebral ganglia. The FLI neurons could be divided into four groups according to size: (i) giant neurons (over 100 m); (ii) large neurons (80–100 m); (iii) medium-sized neurons (40–70 m); (iv) small neurons (12–30 m). They were distributed i) in groups or clusters, typical of small neurons and ii) in solitary form or in groups comprising 2–3 cells, typical of large and giant neurons. Giant and large neurons revealed only limited arborizations in the neuropil, but rich branching towards and in the peripheral nerves. Some of the small neurons had extensive arborizations of varicose fibers in the neuropil. They may therefore play some role in integratory processes. Varicose FLI fibers were visualized in the cell body layer of the different ganglia, and in the neural sheath of both the ganglia and the peripheral nerves. We propose a multifunctional involvement of FLI neurons and FMRFamide-like neuropeptides in the Helix nervous system: (i) a synaptic or modulatory role in axo-axonic interactions in the neuropil; (ii) a direct influence on neuronal cell bodies in the cortical layer, (iii) innervation of different peripheral organs; and (iv) remote neurohormonal control of peripheral events through the neural sheath.     

Transmitter contents of cells and fibers in the cephalic sensory organs of the gastropod mollusc<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Phestilla sibogae</Emphasis>

While the central ganglia of gastropod molluscs have been studied extensively, relatively little is known about the organization and functions of the peripheral nervous system in these animals. In the present study, we used immunohistochemical procedures to examine the innervation of the rhinophores, oral tentacles and region around the mouth of the aeolid nudibranch, Phestilla sibogae. Serotonin-like immunoreactivity was found in an extensive network of efferent projections apparently originating from central neurons, but was not detected within any peripheral cell bodies. In contrast, large numbers of peripheral, and presumably sensory, somata exhibited reactivity to an antibody raised against tyrosine hydroxylase (the enzyme catalyzing the initial step in the conversion of tyrosine into the catecholamines). Additional tyrosine hydroxylase-like immunoreactivity was detected in afferent fibers of the peripheral cells and in several cells within the rhinophoral ganglia. The presence of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine in the rhinophores, tentacles and central ganglia was confirmed using high-performance liquid chromatography. Finally, FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity was detected in cells and tangles of fibers found within the rhinophore, possibly revealing glomerulus-like structures along olfactory pathways. FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity was also found in somata of the rhinophoral ganglia, in a small number of cells located in the body wall lateral to the tentacles and in what appeared to be varicose terminals of efferent projections to the periphery. Together, these results indicate several new features of the gastropod peripheral nervous system and suggest future experiments that will elucidate the function of the novel cells and innervation patterns described here.This research was supported by Natural Sciences and Research Council of Canada Grant #OPG38863 to R.P.C. and Office of Naval Research Grant #N00014-94-1-0524 to M.G.H.     

Localization of FMRFamide- and ACEP-1-like immunoreactivities in the nervous system and heart of a pulmonate mollusc,Achatina fulica

Immunohistochemical localization of two neuropeptides possibly involved in the regulation of cardiac activity in a pulmonate mollusc, Achatina fulica Férussac, was studied. On the ventral surface of the right cerebral ganglion, more than 50 neurons with diameters of 30–50 m showed immunoreactivity to the antiserum of the neuropeptide FMRFamide. Many were also immunoreactive to an antiserum raised against Achatina cardio-excitatory peptide-1 (ACEP-1). Although FMRFamidelike immunoreactive neurons occurred in all components of the subesophageal ganglia, identifiable ACEP-1-like immunoreactive neurons were located only in the visceral ganglion and the right parietal ganglion. In the heart, FMRFamide- and ACEP-1-like immunoreactive fibers were restricted to the atrium and the aortic end of the ventricle, consistent with morphological observations of cardiac innervation. The present results suggest that FMRFamide-and ACEP-1-like peptides are involved in regulating the heart beat of this snail.     

FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity in the nervous system of hydra

Summary FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity has been localized in different parts of the hydra nervous system. Immunoreactivity occurs in nerve perikarya and processes in the ectoderm of the lower peduncle region near the basal disk, in the ectoderm of the hypostome and in the ectoderm of the tentacles. The immunoreactive nerve perikarya in the lower peduncle region form ganglion-like structures. Radioimmunoassays of extracts of hydra gave displacement curves parallel to standard FMRFamide and values of at least 8 pmol/gram wet weight of FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity. The immunoreactive material eluted from Sephadex G-50 in several components emerging shortly before or after position of authentic FMRFamide. The presence of FMRFamide-like material in coelenterates shows that this family of peptides is of great antiquity.     

Presence and distribution of immunoreactive and bioactive FMRFamide-like peptides in the nervous system of the horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus

FMRFamide immunoreactivity was detected in all regions of the Limulus nervous system, including the brain (6.5 +/- 0.6 pg FMRFamide/mg), cardiac ganglion (2.06 +/- 0.67 pg FMRFamide/mg), and ventral nerve cord (5.8 +/- 0.7 pg FMRFamide/mg). The distribution of immunoreactive FMRFamide (irFMRFamide) was mapped by immunofluorescence and the distribution corresponded to regional RIA data. A good proportion of the CNS and cardiac ganglion neuropile contained irFMRFamide, and fluorescent cell bodies were observed in several areas. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed to separate and characterize the FMRFamide-like peptides from extracts of Limulus brains. HPLC fractions were analyzed using coincidental radioimmunoassay and bioassay (the radula protractor muscle of Busycon contrarium). There appear to be at least three FMRFamide-like peptides in the Limulus brain, including one similar to clam FMRFamide. FMRFamide acts on Limulus heart in a biphasic manner at relatively high concentrations (10(-5)M), but has no effect on the activity of the isolated ventral nerve cord. These data suggest that in Limulus FMRFamide-like peptides are acting as neurotransmitters, or neuromodulators.     

Comparative immunohistochemistry of the cephalic sensory organs in Opisthobranchia (Mollusca,Gastropoda)

The structure and function of the central nervous systems of opisthobranch gastropods have been studied extensively. However, the organisation and function of the peripheral nervous system are poorly understood. The cephalic sensory organs (CSOs) are known to be chemosensory structures in the head region of opisthobranchs. In the present study, we used immunohistochemical methods and confocal laserscanning microscopy to comparatively examine the CSOs of different opisthobranchs, namely Acteon tornatilis, Aplysia punctata, Archidoris pseudoargus and Haminoea hydatis. We wanted to characterise sensory epithelia in order to infer the function of sensory structures and the organs they constitute. Immunoreactivity against the three antigens tyrosine hydroxylase, FMRFamide and serotonin was very similar in the CSOs of all investigated species. Tyrosine hydroxylase-like immunoreactivity was detected primarily in subepidermal sensory cell bodies, which were much more abundant in the anteriorly situated CSOs. This observation indicates that these cells and the respective organs may be involved in contact chemoreception and mechanoreception. The dominant features of FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity, especially in the posterior CSOs, were tightly knotted fibres which reveal glomerulus-like structures. This suggests an olfactory role for these organs. Serotonin-like immunoreactivity was detected in an extensive network of efferent fibres, but was not found within any peripheral cell bodies. Serotonin-like immunoreactivity was found in the same glomerulus-like structures as FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity, indicating a function of serotonin in the efferent control of olfactory inputs. Besides this functional implication, this study could also add some knowledge on the doubtful homology of the CSOs in opisthobranch gastropods.     

Immunocytochemical distribution of neuropeptide F (NPF) in the gastropod mollusc,Helix aspersa,and in several other invertebrates

The distribution of neuropeptide F (NPF) immunoreactivity in the snail, Helix aspersa, has been demonstrated by immunocytochemistry using 2 regionspecific antisera. One, designated NPF3, was raised against a synthetic N-terminal fragment of Helix aspersa NPF; the other, designated PP221, was raised against the C-terminal hexapeptide amide of mammalian pancreatic polypeptide (PP) but cross-reacts fully with the analogous C-terminal region of Helix aspersa NPF. The distribution of NPF immunoreactivity has also been compared with that of FMRFamide using alternate serial sections of Helix aspersa ganglia. Results showed that NPF immunoreactivity was abundant and widespread in the central and peripheral nervous systems and the pattern of immunostaining obtained using both region-specific antisera was similar. Likewise, immunocytochemistry of neural tissues of a congeneric species, Helix pomatia, and 2 prosobranch gastropods, Buccinum undatum and Littorina littorea, produced similar staining patterns with both antisera. However, in the cephalopod mollusc, Loligo vulgaris, and the cestode, Moniezia expansa, positive immunostaining was only obtained with the C-terminal PP antiserum. Immunostaining of alternate serial sections of Helix aspersa ganglia with NPF3, and an antiserum raised to FMRFamide, showed that while a few neurones were immunoreactive with one antiserum only, in the majority, both immunoreactivities were co-localised. NPF thus appears to be an important neuropeptide of widespread distribution in Helix aspersa and the differential immunocytochemical staining obtained using the 2 region-specific antisera would suggest a high degree of primary structural conservation within the gastropod molluscs, but lack of conservation of the N-terminal region of the peptide in other invertebrate groups.     

Distribution of tyrosine-hydroxylase-immunoreactive and dopamine-immunoreactive neurons in the central nervous system of the snail Helix pomatia

The distribution and characterization of dopamine-containing neurons are described in the different ganglia of the central nervous system of Helix on the basis of the distribution of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive (TH-ir) and dopamine immunoreactive (DA-ir) neurons. Both TH-ir and DA-ir cell bodies of small diameter (10–25 m) can be observed in the buccal, cerebral and pedal ganglia, dominantly on their ventral surface, and concentrated in small groups close to the origin of the peripheral nerves. The viscero-parietal-pleural ganglion complex is free of immunoreactive cell bodies but contains a dense fiber system. The largest number of TH-ir and DA-ir neurons can be detected in the pedal, and cerebral ganglia. The average number of TH-ir and DA-ir neurons significantly differs but all the identifiable groups of TH-ir neurons also show DA-immunoreactivity. Therefore, we consider the TH-ir neurons in those groups as being DA-containing neurons. The amounts of DA in the different ganglia assayed by high performance liquid chromatography correspond to the distribution and number of TH-ir and DA-ir neurons in the different ganglia. The axon processes of the labeled small-diameter neurons send thin proximal branches toward the cell body layer but only rarely surround cell bodics, whereas distally they give off numerous branches in the neuropil and then leave the ganglion through the peripheral nerves. In the cerebral ganglia, the analysis of the TH-ir pathways indicates that the largest groups of labeled neurons send their processes through the peripheral nerves in a topographic order. These results furnish morphological evidence that DA-containing neurons of Helix pomatia have both central and peripheral roles in neuronal regulation.