Immunocytochemistry of the nervous system and the musculature of the chordoid larva of Symbion pandora (Cycliophora)

To date, the phylum Cycliophora comprises only one described extant species of acoelomate marine invertebrates, Symbion pandora. Adult specimens live commensally on the mouthparts of the Norwegian lobster, Nephrops norvegicus. Its complicated life cycle includes an asexually produced Pandora larva and a sexually produced chordoid larva. Despite detailed TEM investigations and its inclusion in recent molecular phylogenetic analyses, cycliophoran relationships still remain enigmatic. In order to increase the morphological database, I investigated the anatomy of the nervous system and the musculature of the chordoid larva by applying fluorescence-coupled antibodies against the neurotransmitters serotonin and FMRFamide, as well as FITC-coupled phalloidin to label filamentous F-actin, in combination with confocal laser scanning microscopy. The FMRFamidergic nervous system shows a bilobed anterior ganglion and one pair of ventral nerve cords, while serotonin is distributed in a scattered pattern in the anterior ganglion. In addition, there are two pairs of ventral serotonergic nerves, of which the inner pair fuses with the outer nerve cords in the posterior third of the larva. The musculature comprises an outer layer of six units of circular body wall muscles, several helicoid muscle fibers, a set of paired longitudinal muscles that span the entire anterior-posterior axis of the larva, and a few oblique muscle strands. Furthermore, an anterior muscle complex and one pair of posterior muscles are present. The chordoid organ consists of a number of distinct subunits that are each formed by a dense layer of circular muscle fibers.The overall arrangement of the oblique and longitudinal muscles as well as the body wall musculature in the chordoid larva of Symbion pandora exhibits similarities with the condition found in certain rotifers. This is congruent with some recent phylogenies based on 18S rRNA sequences but additional morphological, developmental, and molecular data are needed to clarify the phylogenetic relationships of Cycliophora.     

Serotonin immunoreactivity in the nervous system of the Pandora larva, the Prometheus larva, and the dwarf male of Symbion americanus (Cycliophora)

Cycliophora is a recently described phylum of enigmatic metazoans with a very complex life cycle that includes several sexual and asexual stages. Symbion pandora and Symbion americanus are the only two cycliophoran species hitherto described, of which morphological and genetic knowledge is still deficient to clarify the phylogenetic position of the phylum. Aiming to increase the database on the cycliophoran neural architecture, we investigated serotonin immunoreactivity in the free swimming Pandora larva, the Prometheus larva, and the adult dwarf male of S. americanus. In the larval forms, serotonin is mainly expressed in a ring-shaped pattern at the periphery of the antero-dorsal cerebral ganglion. Additionally, several serotonergic perikarya emerge from both sides of the cerebral ganglion. Thin neurites project anteriorly from the cerebral ganglion, while a pair of ventral longitudinal neurites emerges laterally and runs along the anterior-posterior body axis. Posteriorly, the ventral neurites fuse and extend as a posterior projection. In the dwarf male, serotonin is found mainly in the commissural neuropil of the large anterior cerebral ganglion. In addition, serotonin immunoreactivity is present in the most anterior region of the ventral neurites. Comparative analysis of spiralian nervous systems demonstrates that the neuroanatomy of the cycliophoran larval stages resembles much more the situation of adult rather than larval spiralians, which may be explained by secondary loss of larval structures and heterochronic shift of adult components into the nervous system of the Pandora and the Prometheus larva, respectively.     

Three‐dimensional reconstruction of the musculature of various life cycle stages of the cycliophoran Symbion americanus

Cycliophora is a very recently described phylum of acoelomate metazoans with a complex life cycle and a phylogenetic position that has been under debate ever since its discovery in 1995. Symbion americanus, which lives attached to the mouthparts of the American lobster, Homarus americanus, represents the second species described for the phylum. Aiming to increase the morphological knowledge about this cryptic clade, the present study describes the muscle arrangement of the feeding stage, the attached Prometheus larva with the dwarf male inside, the free living male, the Pandora larva, and the chordoid larva of S. americanus using actin staining and confocal laser scanning microscopy. 3D reconstructions of the muscular systems are presented. In the feeding stage, circular muscles compose the buccal funnel aperture. In addition, a pair of muscles runs longitudinally in the buccal funnel. A complex sphincter was found just proximally to the anus, and six longitudinal muscles run from the trunk constriction (“neck”) in basal direction. The musculature of the larval stages and the dwarf male is very complex and includes longitudinal muscles that run dorsally and ventrally. In addition, we found dorso‐ventral muscles. The male has a complex posterior muscle apparatus in the vicinity of the penis. In this stage, X‐ and V‐shaped structures were identified on the dorsal and the ventral side, respectively. Pandora and chordoid larvae possess additional circular muscles. We discuss our findings with respect to muscle elements of other metazoan groups and the chordoid larva of Symbion pandora. J. Morphol., 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Serotonin immunoreactivity in the nervous system of the free‐swimming larvae and sessile adult females of Stephanoceros fimbriatus (Rotifera: Gnesiotrocha)

Unlike most rotifers (Rotifera), which are planktonic and direct developers, many gnesiotrochan rotifers (Monogononta: Gnesiotrocha) are sessile and have indirect development. Few details exist on larval metamorphosis in most gnesiotrochans, and considering the drastic transformation that takes place at metamorphosis—the replacement of the ciliated corona with a new head that bears ciliated tentacles (the infundibulum)—it is perhaps surprising that there are limited data on the process. Here, we document part of this metamorphosis by examining the presence and distribution of neurons with serotonin immunoreactivity in the nervous system of both planktonic larvae and sessile adult females. Using antibodies against serotonin combined with confocal laser‐scanning microscopy (CLSM) and 3D reconstruction software, we mapped the immunoreactive cell bodies and neurites in both life stages and found that relatively few changes occurred during metamorphosis. The larvae possessed a total of eight perikarya with serotonergic immunoreactivity (5HT‐IR) in the brain, with at least two pairs of perikarya outside the brain in the region of the corona. Cells with 5HT‐IR in the brain innervated the larval corona and also sent neurites to the trunk via the nerve cords. During metamorphosis, the corona was replaced by the infundibulum, which emerged from the larval mouth to become the new functional head. This change led to a posterior displacement of the brain and also involved the loss of 5HT‐IR in the lateral brain perikarya and the gain of two perikarya with 5HT‐IR in the anterior brain region. The innervation of the anterior end was retained in the adult; neurites that extended anteriorly to the mouth of the larva formed a distinct neural ring that encircled the infundibulum after metamorphosis. Significantly, there was no innervation of the infundibular tentacles by neurites with 5HT‐IR, which suggests that ciliary control is unlikely to be modulated by serotonin within the tentacles themselves.     

The chordoid larva of Symbion pandora (Cycliophora) is a modified trochophore

Developmental and free-living stages of the chordoid larva of the cycliophoran species, Symbion pandora Funch and Kristensen 1995, were studied using light and electron microscopy. In the free-living stage of the larva, about 200 μm long, four ciliated areas are found: two anterior bands, a ventral ciliated field, and a posterior unit on the ventral side of the foot. The nervous system consists of a dorsal brain and a pair of ventral longitudinal nerves. A gut is absent. A pair of protonephridia, each with a single multiciliated terminal cell and at least one duct cell, is present. Nephridiopores are not localized. A pair of corsal ciliated organs is posterior to the brain. The homology between these and the apical organ of a trochophore larva is discussed. A distinctive longitudinal rod, the chordoid organ, consists of vacuolized cells with circular myofilaments. The organ is comparable to a similar structure in gastrotrichs. In the discussion of the phylogenetic position of Cycliophora among protostomians, important morphological observations that are described in the present study indicate that, despite some dissimilarities, the chordoid larva is a modified trochophore. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Distribution and development of the serotonin-and RFamide-like immunoreactive neurons in the arrowworm,Paraspadella gotoi (Chaetognatha)

Summary The distribution and development of serotonin-and RFamide-like immunoreactivities in the nervous system of Chaetognatha, Paraspadella gotoi, were examined in whole-mount preparations. In adults, a single serotonin-like immunoreactive (5HTLI) neuron and numerous RFamide-like immunoreactive (RFaLI) neurons were found in the central nervous system. Based on the structure of the fins, hooks, and eyes, seven postembryonic developmental stages were recognized. The most obvious features of the stages are: stage 1, newly hatched young; stage 2, elongation of a continuous lateral tail fin; stage 3, separation of the lateral and tail fins; stage 4, appearance of hooks; stage 5, pigmentation of eyes, stage 6, attachment by tail adhesive fins; stage 7, prey capture. Stage 1 did not show any immunoreactivity. The 5HTLI neuron first appeared at stage 4 and its axonal pathway became similar to the adult at stage 6. On the other hand, the RFaLI neurons appeared at stage 3 in the ventral ganglion. Some of their somata disappeared at stage 5 and the neuronal architecture resembled the adult at stage 7 although the RFaLI neurons in the cerebral ganglion were complete at the juvenile stage.We are sad to announce that Dr. M. Yoshida died on 29 October 1988     

Development of serotonin-like and SALMFamide-like immunoreactivity in the nervous system of the sea urchin Psammechinus miliaris.

The present immunocytochemical study utilizes serotonin and SALMFamide antisera, together with confocal laser scanning microscopy, to provide new information about the development of the nervous system in the sea urchin Psammechinus miliaris (Echinodermata: Echinoidea). Special attention is paid to the extent of the nervous system in later larval stages (6-armed pluteus to metamorphic competency), a characteristic that has not been well described in this and other species of sea urchin. An extensive apical ganglion appears by the 6-armed pluteus stage, forming a complex of 10-20 cells and fibers, including discrete populations of both serotonin-like and SALMF-amide-like immunoreactive cells. At metamorphosis this complex is large, comprising at least 40 cells in distinct arrays. Serotonin-like immunoreactivity is also particularly apparent in the lower lip ganglion of 6- to 8-armed plutei; this ganglion consists of 15-18 cells that are distributed around the mouth. The ciliary nerves that lie beneath the ciliary bands in the larval arms, the esophagus, and a hitherto undescribed network associated with the pylorus all show SALMFamide-like immunoreactivity. The network of cells and fibers in the pyloric area develops later in larval life. It first appears as one cell body and fiber, then increases in size and complexity through the 8-armed pluteus stage to form a complex of cells that encircles the pylorus. SALMFamide-like, but not serotonin-like, immunoreactivity is seen in the vestibule wall, tube feet, and developing radial nerve fibers of the sea urchin adult rudiment as the larva gains metamorphic competency.     

First description of the serotonergic nervous system in a bdelloid rotifer: Macrotrachela quadricornifera Milne 1886 (Philodinidae)

Class Bdelloidea of phylum Rotifera comprises aquatic microinvertebrates that are known for both obligate parthenogenesis and for resisting desiccation through a dormant reversible state. In the frame of an investigation about the role of the nervous system in controlling life cycle, reproduction and dormancy, we describe the serotonergic system of a bdelloid, Macrotrachela quadricornifera, using serotonin immunohistochemistry and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Serotonin immunoreactivity is present in the cerebral ganglion, lateral nerve cords and peripheral neurites. The cerebral ganglion consists of perikarya that send neurites cephalically to the rostrum and corona. A pair of neurites exits the cerebral ganglion as lateral nerve cords, and proceeds caudally to the pedal ganglion where additional neurites enter the foot. Based on the location of serotonergic immunoreactivity, we hypothesize that the neurotransmitter is involved in both motor activity (e.g., ciliary beating, inchworm-like locomotion) and sensory activity. A comparison between the serotonergic nervous systems of M. quadricornifera and species of Monogononta reveals differences in the numbers and patterns of cerebral perikarya, peripheral perikarya, and periperhal neurites. These differences may have functional significance for understanding adaptations to specific environments and/or systematic significance for reconstructing the rotiferan ground pattern.     

Dynamics of FMRFamide immunoreactivity in response to physiologically active substances in the central nervous system of the snail, Achatina fulica

1. The changes in FMRFamide (Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-NH2) immunoreactivity in response to incubation in dopamine, serotonin, met-enkephalin, oxytocin, arg-vasopressin and FMRFamide were examined in the central nervous system of the snail, Achatina fulica. 2. When the central nervous system was cultured in medium which contained dopamine and in medium which contained serotonin, the number of immunoreactive neurons increased in the anterior part of the cerebral ganglion and decreased in the sub-esophageal ganglion. 3. When arg-vasopressin was added to the culture medium, the number of immunoreactive neurons increased in the pedal ganglion and decreased in the other sub-esophageal ganglion. 4. By contrast, when the central nervous system was cultured in medium which contained oxytocin, the number of immunoreactive neurons did not increase, but rather decreased, in each ganglion. 5. No changes in immunoreactivity were detected in the central nervous system when it was cultured in medium which contained FMRFamide. 6. It appears, from these results, that the production and release of FMRFamide from different neurons are differentially affected by the physiologically active substances tested.     

Apical sensory organ in larvae of the patellogastropod Tectura scutum

The apical sensory organ in veliger larvae of a patellogastropod, a basal clade of gastropod molluscs, was studied using ultrastructural and immunohistochemical techniques. Immediately before veligers of Tectura scutum undergo ontogenetic torsion, the apical sensory organ consists of three large cells that generate a very long apical ciliary tuft, two cells that generate a bilateral pair of shorter ciliary tufts, and a neural ganglion (apical ganglion). Putative sensory neurons forming the ganglion give rise to dendrites that extend to the apical surface of the larva and to basal neurites that contribute to a neuropil. The ganglion includes only one ampullary neuron, a distinctive neuronal type found in the apical ganglion of other gastropod veligers. Serotonin immunoreactivity is expressed by a medial and two lateral neurons, all having an apical dendrite, and also by neurites within the neuropil and by peripheral neurites that run beneath the ciliated prototrochal cells that power larval swimming. The three cells generating the long apical ciliary tuft are lost soon after ontogenetic torsion, and the medial serotonergic cell stops expressing serotonin antigenicity in late-stage veligers. The lateral ciliary tuft cells of T. scutum may be homologs of lateral ciliary tuft cells in planktotrophic opisthobranch veligers. A tripartite arrangement of sensory dendrites, as described previously for veligers of other gastropod clades, can be recognized in T. scutum after loss of the apical ciliary tuft cells.     

A new species of Lepidodasys (Gastrotricha, Macrodasyida) from Panama with a description of its peptidergic nervous system using CLSM, anti-FMRFamide and anti-SCPB

A new species of Lepidodasys (Gastrotricha: Macrodasyida: Lepidodasyidae) is described from sublittoral sediments in the Bocas del Toro archipelago in Panama and represents the first species of Lepidodasyidae described from the Caribbean. The new species possesses keeled scales that form a crossed-helical pattern across its dorsal and lateral surfaces and ventral scales that form a herringbone pattern between and lateral to the ciliary columns. A bilateral pair of three ventral adhesive tubes at the posterior end further differentiates this new species from its seven congeners. A confocal laser scanning microscope examination of the nervous system using antibodies to small cardioactive peptide B (SCP_B) and FMRFamides reveals a dumbbell-shape cerebral ganglion, paired pharyngeal neurites and paired posterior nerve cords. Expression patterns of immunoreactivity to both classes of neuropeptides show a high degree of similarity. Only within the lateral somata of the cerebral ganglion and a single median pharyngeal neurite is there a difference in immunoreactivity to FMRFamide (positive) compared to SCP_B (negative). Results from this investigation reveal that neuropeptides, among other neuronal markers, might provide phylogenetically informative characters in macrodasyidan gastrotrichs, especially regarding the topology of the cerebral ganglion.     

Serotonin-immunoreactive neurons in the median protocerebrum and suboesophageal ganglion of the sphinx moth Manduca sexta

Summary Serotonin-immunoreactive neurons in the median protocerebrum and suboesophageal ganglion of the sphinx moth Manduca sexta were individually reconstructed. Serotonin immunoreactivity was detected in 19–20 bilaterally symmetrical pairs of interneurons in the midbrain and 10 pairs in the suboesophageal ganglion. These neurons were also immunoreactive with antisera against DOPA decarboxylase. All major neuropil regions except the protocerebral bridge are innervated by these neurons. In addition, efferent cells are serotonin-immunoreactive in the frontal ganglion (5 neurons) and the suboesophageal ganglion (2 pairs of neurons). The latter cells probably give rise to an extensive network of immunoreactive terminals on the surface of the suboesophageal ganglion and suboesophageal nerves. Most of the serotonin-immunoreactive neurons show a gradient in the intensity of immunoreactive staining, suggesting low levels of serotonin in cell bodies and dendritic arbors and highest concentrations in axonal terminals. Serotonin-immunoreactive cells often occur in pairs with similar morphological features. With one exception, all serotonin-immunoreactive neurons have bilateral projections with at least some arborizations in identical neuropil areas in both hemispheres. The morphology of several neurons suggests that they are part of neuronal feedback circuits. The similarity in the arborization patterns of serotonin-immunoreactive neurons raises the possibility that their outgrowing neurites experienced similar forces during embryonic development. The morphological similarities further suggest that serotonin-immunoreactive interneurons in the midbrain and suboesophageal ganglion share physiological characteristics.Abbreviations CNS central nervous system - DDC DOPA decarboxylase - LAL lateral accessory lobe - SLI serotonin-like immunoreactivity - SOG suboesophageal ganglion - VLP ventro-lateral protocerebrum     

FMRfamide-like immunoreactivity in the ventral nerve cord of the larval eastern spruce budworm,Choristoneura fumiferana (clemens) (Lepidoptera : Tortricidae)

Distribution of FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity was examined in the larval ventral nerve cord of the eastern spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Lepidoptera : Tortricidae). Indirect immunofluorescent methods revealed the existence of 3 groups of FLI neurons in each ganglion. The neurons are distributed in a bilaterally symmetrical fashion at the anterodorsal, midlateral and posteroventral regions of the ganglia. There are 4 FMRFamide-like immunoreactive fiber tracts on the dorsal surface of the ganglia to which the anterodorsal FLI neurons project ipsilaterally, while the midlateral pair projects both ipsi-, and contralaterally. The last abdominal ganglion (AG8) has 4 additional pairs of FLI neurons; and axons from some of these extend into the median abdominal nerve, which suggests some role for this neuropeptide in the control of posterior structures of the larva.     

Leucokinin and diuretic hormone immunoreactivity of neurons in the tobacco hornworm,Manduca sexta,and co-localization of this immunoreactivity in lateral neurosecretory cells of abdominal ganglia

Because leucokinins stimulate diuresis in some insects, we wished to identify the neurosecretory cells in Manduca sexta that might be a source of leucokinin-like neurohormones. Immunostaining was done at various stages of development, using an antiserum to leucokinin IV. Bilateral pairs of neurosecretory cells in abdominal ganglia 3–7 of larvae and adults are immunoreactive; these cells project via the ipsilateral ventral nerves to the neurohemal transverse nerves. The immunoreactivity and size of these lateral cells greatly increases in the pharate adult, and this change appears to be related to a period of intensive diuresis occurring a few days before adult eclosion. Relationships of these neurons to cells that are immunoreactive to a M. sexta diuretic hormone were also investigated. Diuretic hormone and leucokinin immunoreactivity are co-localized in the lateral neurosecretory cells and their neurohemal projections. A median pair of leucokinin-immunoreactive, and a lateral pair of diuretic hormone-immunoreactive neurons in the larval terminal abdominal ganglion project to neurohemal release sites within the cryptonephridium. The immunoreactivity of these cells is lost as the cryptonephridium is eliminated during metamorphosis. This loss appears to be related to the change from the larval to adult pattern of diuresis.     

Dwarf male of Symbion pandora (cycliophora)

This study clarifies the identity and development of the male in the life cycle of Symbion pandora. The male is not produced directly by the feeding stage, as previously thought, but arises as a distinct individual from budding cells inside an intermediate stage named the Prometheus larva. The morphology and the development of the two distinct stages are described with light and electron microscopy. Furthermore, the following terminology is suggested to clearly distinguish between the different individuals: 1) the Prometheus larva, which is the free-swimming individual being produced inside the feeding stage; 2) the attached Prometheus larva on the feeding stage, which mostly degenerates following settlement, except for the internal budding cells; and 3) the dwarf male, which is the ciliated, sexually mature stage. The budding cells inside the attached Prometheus larva usually develop two internal dwarf males. Each dwarf male is heavily ciliated and has a well-developed nervous system with a relatively large brain, numerous gland and muscle cells, testis with bundles of sperm, and one penial structure. The male lacks a gut, as in the other free stages in the life cycle of Symbion pandora. This study also indicates that the dwarf male is freed from the attached Prometheus larva. Copulation, which has not been observed yet, probably takes place between a free-swimming male and the female, either while the female is released or afterwards.     

Comparative distribution of urocortin- and CRF-like immunoreactivities in the nervous system of the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and urocortin (Ucn) are both members of the CRF neuropeptide family. The distribution of Ucn- and CRF-like immunoreactive (ir) structures in the central nervous system of several vertebrate species has been studied, but little is known about that in non-vertebrates. We used a highly specific polyclonal antibody against rat Ucn and CRF to determine and compare the distribution of Ucn- and CRF-like immunoreactivity in the earthworm nervous system. Several Ucn- and CRF-like ir perikarya were described in the cerebral ganglion, subesophageal and ventral cord ganglia. The majority of Ucn-like ir cells were found in the ventral ganglia, whereas CRF-like ir cells were most abundant in the cerebral ganglion. Scattered Ucn- and CRF-like ir varicose fiber terminals were seen in all areas of the earthworm central nervous system. Ucn-like ir cell bodies and fiber terminals were also demonstrated in the pharyngeal wall. No co-localization of Ucn- and CRF-like ir nervous structures were observed. This study provided morphological evidence that Ucn- and CRF-like neurosecretory products exist in the earthworm central nervous system. Furthermore, both the distribution and morphology of Ucn- and CRF-like ir structures were distinct, therefore, it can be hypothesized that these neuropeptides exert different neurendocrine functions in the earthworm nervous system.     

Observations of serotonin and FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity in palp sensory structures and the anterior nervous system of spionid polychaetes

Evidence suggests that ciliated sensory structures on the feeding palps of spionid polychaetes may function as chemoreceptors to modulate deposit-feeding activity. To investigate the probable sensory nature of these ciliated cells, we used immunohistochemistry, epi-fluorescence, and confocal laser scanning microscopy to label and image sensory cells, nerves, and their organization relative to the anterior central nervous system in several spionid polychaete species. Antibodies directed against acetylated alphatubulin were used to label the nervous system and detail the innervation of palp sensory cells in all species. In addition, the distribution of serotonin (5-HT) and FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity was compared in the spionid polychaetes Dipolydora quadrilobata and Pygospio elegans. The distribution of serotonin immunoreactivity was also examined in the palps of Polydora cornuta and Streblospio benedicti. Serotonin immunoreactivity was concentrated in cells underlying the food groove of the palps, in the palp nerves, and in the cerebral ganglion. FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity was associated with the cerebral ganglia, nuchal organs and palp nerves, and also with the perikarya of ciliated sensory cells on the palps.     

Serotonin-like immunoreactivity in the central nervous system and gonad of the scallop,Patinopecten yessoensis

Summary The localization of neurons containing serotonin in the central nervous system and the gonad of the scallop, Patinopecten yessoensis, was examined immunohistochemically. In the central nervous system a large number of immunoreactive perikarya were observed in the following regions: a part of the anterior lobe of the cerebral ganglion; the posterior lobe of the cerebral ganglion; the pedal ganglion; and the accessory ganglion. No immunoreactive perikarya were found in the visceral ganglion. Numerous immunoreactive fibers were revealed in the neuropil of all central ganglia. In the gonadal region immunoreactive fibers were distributed around the gonoduct and along the germinal epithelium.This work was supported by a grant from the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, Japan     

Serotonin immunoreactive neurons in the central nervous system of an insect (Periplaneta americana)

Serotonin-like immunoreactivity was mapped in the central nervous system (CNS) of the cockroach, Periplaneta americana. Immunoreactive staining occurred in every ganglion of the CNS. The largest numbers of immunoreactive somata were detected in the optic lobes and the brain, and lowest numbers in the first and second thoracic ganglia. Dense stained fibers, ramifications, and varicosities were found in all ganglia, and numerous axon like processes occurred in all interganglionic connectives. Immunoreactive processes were not, however, detected in most of the peripherally projecting nerve roots. Processes were found only in roots of the suboesophageal ganglion and the tritocerebral lobes of the brain. A comparison of the map for serotonin immunoreactivity with one generated for the pentapeptide transmitter proctolin suggests that the two systems overlap only in the suboesophageal ganglion and the tritocerebrum. The amine and peptide may co-occur in neurons in these regions. The serotonin immunoreactive system appeared significantly different from the octopaminergic system of the ventral nerve cord. Seventy-two potentially identifiable immunoreactive cells were located in the cockroach CNS. Some of these may be suitable for physiological study of the functional role of serotonin.     

绿盲蝽腹神经节的解剖结构

【目的】揭示绿盲蝽Apolygus lucorum腹神经节的组成结构。【方法】采用免疫组织化学染色方法,利用突触蛋白抗体对绿盲蝽成虫的腹神经节进行免疫标记,激光共聚焦扫描显微镜扫描照相获得原始数据,用图像分析软件进行标记,构建三维结构模型。【结果】绿盲蝽成虫腹神经节位于腹神经索的末端,与其前方的后胸神经节和中胸神经节紧密融合,形成后部神经节。与脑和胸神经节类似,腹神经节由周围的细胞体和内部的神经髓构成。腹神经节的神经纤维束主要包括位于腹侧的两条纵向神经连索和向两侧发出的9束神经纤维。9束神经纤维连接着9个神经原节,即富含突触联系的神经髓。这些神经原节紧密融合,无明显的边界,最后两节形成膨大的末端腹神经节。两侧的神经原节由横向的神经连锁连接起来。腹神经节外周的细胞体数量较多,排列紧密,大小一致,仅在前端背侧中间和后端腹侧中间位置分别有2个和5个体积较大的细胞体。【结论】本研究结果明确了绿盲蝽腹神经节的结构,为进一步研究昆虫的行为调控及神经系统发育和演化奠定一定的形态学基础。