The association of proctolin with a ventral abdominal muscle of Locusta migratoria

The association of proctolin with the external ventral protractor muscle of the VIIth abdominal segment (M234) of Locusta migratoria was investigated using immunohistochemistry and RP-HPLC in conjunction with the sensitive locust oviduct bioassay. Immunohistochemistry of whole-mount tissues revealed two proctolin-like immunoreactive axons in N2B_2b1 (the nerve branch which innervates M234) as well as immunoreactive processes and varicosities on the surface of M234. Immunogold staining of M234 demonstrated that the proctolin-like immunoreactivity was present in electron-dense granules in its motor terminals. A material indistinguishable from proctolin and with proctolin-like bioactivity co-eluted with authentic proctolin on two different RP-HPLC systems. Bath application of proctolin at concentrations greater than 10^-11 M resulted in a dose-dependent increase in the neurally-evoked fast twitch amplitude and duration of M234. Concentrations greater than 10^-9 M resulted in a dose-dependent increase in basal tonus of M234. These results indicate that proctolin, or a peptide very similar to proctolin, is present in the motor innervation of M234 and acts as a cotransmitter and/or neuromodulator at this typical fast skeletal muscle.Abbreviations M234 external ventral protractor muscle of the Vllth abdominal segment - RP-HPLC reverse-phase high pressure liquid chromatography - TFA trifluoroacetic acid     

The distribution of a proctolin-like immunoreactive material in the terminal ganglion of the cockroach,Periplaneta americana L.

Summary Neurons with proctolin-like immunoreactivity were mapped in the terminal ganglion of Periplaneta americana. The effect of different fixation methods on the variability of immunostaining is described and discussed. The appearance of immunoreactive presynaptic terminals, described here for the first time in insects, points to a function of proctolin as neurotransmitter or neuromodulator in the central nervous system of P. americana besides its known role in the periphery. Proctolin-like immunoreactivity was shown in pre- and postsynaptic profiles. Synaptic contacts are described in detail.Supported by the Ministerium für Wissenschaft und Technik der DDR and by Sächsische Akademie der Wissenschaften zu Leipzig.The authors are indebted for excellent technical assistance to Mrs. Angelika Schmidt and Mr. Bernd Mäusezahl.     

Localisation of substance P-like immunoreactivity in the ciliary ganglia of monkey (Macaca fascicularis) and cat: a light- and electron-microscopic study

The present study describes substance P-like immunoreactivity in the ciliary ganglia of monkey (Macaca fascicularis) and cat. About 60% of neurons in the monkey ciliary ganglion and 40% in the cat ciliary ganglion were substance P-like immunoreactive, ranging from faint to moderate staining. Substance P-like immunoreactivity was located in cell bodies, dendritic profiles and axons. In the monkey, substance P-like immunoreactive pericellular arborisations were associated with about 0.5%–3% of the ganglion cells, which were either negatively, faintly or moderately stained. An electron-microscopic study demonstrated the presence of either substance P-like immunoreactive positive or negative axon terminals synapsing or closely associated with positive dendritic profiles in both the monkey and cat ciliary ganglia. The results suggest that substance P plays an important role in the ciliary ganglion, perhaps as a modulator or transmitter.     

Reorganization of peptidergic systems during brain regeneration in Eisenia fetida (Oligochaeta, Annelida)

After the extirpation of the brain reorganization of the peptidergic (FMRFamide, neuropeptide Y, proctolin) systems was studied in the newly forming cerebral ganglion of the annelid Eisenia fetida. During regeneration, all immunoreactive fibres appear on the 1st-2nd postoperative day. At the beginning of regeneration, immunoreactive neurons and fibres form a mixed structure in the wound tissue. On the 3rd postoperative day, FMRFamide positive and neuropeptide Y-immunoreactive, while on the 7th postoperative day proctolin-immunoreactive neurons appear in the loose wound tissue. From the 25th postoperative day a capsule gradually develops around it. The neurons of the preganglion move to the surface of the newly appearing preganglion. The number of these cells gradually increase, and by the 72th-80th postoperative days the localization and number of peptide-immunoreactive neurons is similar to that in the intact one. The neurons of all examined peptidergic systems may originate from the neuroblasts, situated on the inner and outer surface of the intact ganglia (e.g. suboesophageal and ventral cord ganglia). In addition FMRFamide and proctolin immunoreactive neurons may take their derive by mitotic proliferation from the pharyngeal neurons, too.     

Immunogold labelling of serotonin-like and FMRFamide-like immunoreactive material in neurohaemal areas on abdominal nerves of Rhodnius prolixus

The ultrastructure of neurohaemal areas on abdominal nerves of the blood-sucking bug Rhodnius prolixus was investigated. Four types of axon terminals were found, distinguished by the morphology of their neurosecretory granules. By use of post-embedding immunogold labelling, granules in Type I axon terminals were shown to contain serotonin-like immunoreactive material, and granules in Type II axon terminals were shown to contain FMRFamide-like immunoreactive material. There was no colocalization of these materials. It is suggested that Type III terminals contain peptidergic diuretic hormone, which has previously been reported to be present in electron-dense neurosecretory granules in this neurohaemal area. The identity of material in Type IV terminals is unknown.     

Diffuse serotoninergic neurohemal systems associated with cerebral and suboesophageal nerves in the head of the Colorado potato beetle Leptinotarsa decemlineata

We analyzed the anatomy of two diffuse neurohemal systems for serotonin in the head of the Colorado potato beetle Leptinotarsa decemlineata by means of immunohistochemistry. One system is formed by axons from two bilateral pairs of neurons in the frontal margin of the suboesophageal ganglion that enter the ipsilateral mandibular nerve, emerge from this nerve at some distance from the suboesophageal ganglion, and cover all branches of the mandibular nerve with a dense plexus of immunoreactive axon swellings. The other system is formed by axons from two large neurons in the frontal ganglion that enter the ipsilateral frontal connectives, emerge from these connectives, and form a network of axon swellings on the labroforntal, pharyngeal, and antennal nerves and on the surface of the frontal ganglion. Immunohistochemical electron microscopy demonstrated that the axon swellings are located outside the neural sheaths of the nerves and hence in close contact with the hemolymph. We therefore suggest that these plexuses represent extensive neurohemal systems for serotonin. Most immunoreactive terminals are in direct contact with the hemolymph, and other terminals are closely associated with the muscles of the mandibles, labrum, and anterior pharynx, as well as with the salivary glands, indicating that these organs are under serotoninergic control.     

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.     

Distribution and functional significance of Met-enkephalin-Arg6-Phe7-and Met-enkephalin-Arg6-Gly7-Leu8-like peptides in the blowflyCalliphora vomitoria

Summary Neuronal pathways in the retrocerebral complex and thoracico-abdominal ganglionic mass of the blowflyCalliphora vomitoria have been identified immunocytochemically with antisera against the extended-enkephalins, Met-enkephalin-Arg⁶-Phe⁷ (Met-7) and Met-enkephalin-Arg⁶-Gly⁷-Leu⁸ (Met-8). Neurons of the hypocerebral ganglion, immunoreactive to Met-8, have axons in the crop duct nerve and terminals in muscles of the crop and its duct. Certain neurons of the hypocerebral ganglion are also immunoreactive to Met-7, and axons from these cells innervate the heart. Met-8 immunoreactive nerve terminals invest the cells of the corpus allatum. The source of this material is believed to ve a single pair of lateral neurosecretory cells in the brain. There is no Met-7 immunoreactive material in the corpus allatum. In the corpus cardiacum neither Met-7 nor Met-8 immunoreactivity is present in the cells. However, in the neuropil of the gland certain fibres, with their origins elsewhere, do contain Met-8 immunoreactivity. The most prominent neurons in the thoracic ganglion are the Met-7 immunoreactive ventral thoracic neurosecretory cells, axons from which project to neurohaemal areas in the dorsal neural sheath and also, via the ventral connective, to the brain. Co-localisation studies show that the perikarya of these cells are immunoreactive to antisera raised against several vertebrate-type peptides, such as Met-7, gastrin/cholecystokinin and pancreatic polypeptide. However, their axons and terminals show varying amounts of the peptides, suggesting differential transport and utilisation. Only a few cells in the thoracic ganglion are immunoreactive to Met-8 antisera. These lie close to the nerve bundles suppling the legs. In the abdominal ganglion, Met-8 immunoreactive neurons project to the muscles of the hindgut. This study suggests that the extended enkephalin-like peptides ofCalliphora may have a variety of different roles: as neurotransmitter or neuromodulator substances; in the direct innervation of effector organs; and as neurohormones.     

Light- and electron-microscopic immunocytochemistry of a molluscan insulin-related peptide in the central nervous system of Planorbarius corneus

Summary Two groups of cerebral dorsal cells of the pulmonate snail Planorbarius corneus stain positively with antisera raised against synthetic fragments of the B- and C-chain of the molluscan pro-insulin-related prohormone, proMIP-I, of another pulmonate snail, Lymnaea stagnalis. At the light-microscopic level the somata of the dorsal cells and their axons and neurohemal axon terminals in the periphery of the paired median lip nerves are immunoreactive with both antisera. Furthermore, the canopy cells in the lateral lobes of the cerebral ganglia are positive. In addition, MIP_B-immunoreactive neurons are found in most other ganglia of the central nervous system. At the ultrastructural level, pale and dark secretory granules are found in somata and axon terminals of the dorsal cells. Dark granules are about 4 times as immunoreactive to both antisera as pale granules. Release of anti-MIP_B- and anti-MIP_C-immunopositive contents of the secretory granules by exocytosis is apparent in material treated according to the tannic acid method. It is concluded that the dorsal and canopy cells synthesize a molluscan insulin-related peptide that is packed in the cell body into secretory granules and that is subsequently transported to the neurohemal axon terminals and released into the hemolymph by exocytosis. Thus, MIP seems to act as a neurohormone on peripheral targets. On the basis of the analogy between the dorsal cells and the MIP-producing cells in L. stagnalis, it is proposed that the dorsal cells of P. corneus are involved in the control of body growth and associated processes.     

Proctolin in the brain and ganglia of Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

The distribution of proctolin in the central nervous system of the hemipteran bug, Triatoma infestans, was studied by immunohistochemistry using the sensitive avidin‐biotin technique combined with nickel salt intensification of the reaction product. Proctolin was present in cells and fibers of the brain and ganglia. In the brain, protocerebral proctolin‐immunoreactive cell bodies were found in the pars intercerebralis, the optic lobes, and the lateral soma rind. The deutocerebrum showed positive somata in relation to the antennal motor center and the tritocerebrum had intense immunoreactive fibers but few positive cells. Proctolin‐immunoreactive cell bodies of different sizes were observed in the subesophageal ganglion. Large cell bodies were found mainly rostrally and beaded positive processes were present around the ventral border of the esophageal foramen and in the rostrolateral neuropil of this ganglion. Small‐ to medium‐sized positive somata were found in the posterior part of the prothoracic ganglion; some of these cells were sending immunoreactive processes to the central neuropil. The meso‐metathoracic‐abdominal ganglionic mass showed positive cells in all the neuromeres, where some of them were large and had thick immunoreactive granules. The results show that the labeling pattern of proctolin‐like immunoreactivity in Triatoma i. appears to be widespread and unique for its central nervous system. It is suggested that proctolin may serve neuroendocrine, integrative, and motor functions in the brain of T. infestans. J. Morphol. 240:39–47, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Gastrin/cholecystokinin-like immunoreactivity in the nervous system of Aeschna cyanea (Insecta,Odonata)

Summary Gastrin/cholecystokinin (gastrin/CCK)-like immunoreactivity has been detected in the brain, suboesophageal ganglion and corpora cardiaca of the larva of Aeschna cyanea by radioimmunoassay and immunohistochemistry, by use of two antisera raised against the sulfated (CCK-8S) and the unsulfated form (CCK-8NS) of the carboxyl terminal octapeptide. Numerous immunoreactive neurons were demonstrated in the protocerebrum (exclusive of optic lobes) and suboesophageal ganglion where 20 and 15 symmetrical clusters of reactive cells, respectively, were observed. Immunoreactive cells also occurred in the tritocerebrum, the optic lobes and the frontal ganglion. In the corpora cardiaca, gastrin/CCK-like material was found both within intrinsic cells and axon terminals. RIA measurements support the immunohistochemical results in so far as large amounts of gastrin/CCK-like material were detected in the brain, corpora cardiaca and suboesophageal ganglion complex. Both boiling water-acetic acid- and methanol-extraction procedures were performed. Comparisons of the results lead to the conclusion that a large part of the gastrin/CCK-like material occurs as small molecules. Immunohistochemical procedures performed on material fixed in a solution of picric acid-paraformaldehyde demonstrated differences in the immunoreactivity of the tested antisera. First, the immunohistochemical reaction was always more pronounced when the CCK-8NS antiserum was used instead of the CCK-8S antiserum, which may be interpreted by a lower affinity of the latter. In the second place, some neurons strongly stained by the CCK-8NS antiserum were only very faintly if at all stained by the CCK-8S antiserum, which may mean that different peptides or at least distinct forms of the same precursor are detected.     

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     

Putative neurohemal areas in the peripheral nervous system of an insect,Gryllus bimaculatus,revealed by immunocytochemistry

The morphology and position of putative neurohemal areas in the peripheral nervous system (ventral nerve cord and retrocerebral complex) of the cricket Gryllus bimaculatus are described. By using antisera to the amines dopamine, histamine, octopamine, and serotonin, and the neuropeptides crustacean cardioactive peptide, FMRFamide, leucokinin 1, and proctolin, an extensive system of varicose fibers has been detected throughout the nerves of all neuromeres, except for nerve 2 of the prothoracic ganglion. Immunoreactive varicose fibers occur mainly in a superficial position at the neurilemma, indicating neurosecretory storage and release of neuroactive compounds. The varicose fibers are projections from central or peripheral neurons that may extend over more than one segment. The peripheral fiber varicosities show segment-specific arrangements for each of the substances investigated. Immunoreactivity to histamine and octopamine is mainly found in the nerves of abdominal segments, whereas serotonin immunoreactivity is concentrated in subesophageal and terminal ganglion nerves. Immunoreactivity to FMRFamide and crustacean cardioactive peptide is widespread throughout all segments. Structures immunoreactive to leucokinin 1 are present in abdominal nerves, and proctolin immunostaining is found in the terminal ganglion and thoracic nerves. Codistribution of peripheral varicose fiber plexuses is regularly seen for amines and peptides, whereas the colocalization of substances in neurons has not been detected for any of the neuroactive compounds investigated. The varicose fiber system is regarded as complementary to the classical neurohemal organs.     

Immunocytochemical localization of neurons in the nervous system of the Colorado potato beetle with antisera against FMRFamide and bovine pancreatic polypeptide

Summary Particular neurons in the nervous system of the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, are recognized by antisera against bovine pancreatic polypeptide and FMRFamide. Both antisera react with the same neurons. Solid phase absorptions showed that antiserum against bovine pancreatic polypeptide cross-reacts with FMRFamide, whereas antiserum against FMRFamide cross-reacts with bovine pancreatic polypeptide. Some of the immunoreactive neurons have axons branching extensively within the neuropile, which suggests that the peptide is used as transmitter. In the corpus cardiacum, a neurohaemal organ in insects, numerous immunoreactive axon terminals are present. Here, the peptide material is presumably released as a hormone.     

Immunocytochemical localization of CCAP,a novel crustacean cardioactive peptide,in the nervous system of the shore crab,Carcinus maenas L.

Summary Polyclonal antibodies were raised in rabbits against synthetic crustacean cardioactive peptide (CCAP) conjugated to bovine thyroglobulin, and were used to map CCAP-immunoreactive structures in the central nervous system of Carcinus maenas. As expected, the neurohemal pericardial organs (PO) displayed abundant immunoreactivity in nerve fibers and terminals. In addition, immunoreactive neurons were demonstrated in other parts of the nervous system. At least some of them do not appear to terminate in neurohemal structures and may have a non-endocrine, as yet unknown function. Immunoreactive perikarya with a diameter of 25–30 m occur in the brain. They project into the optic and antennary neuropil, and into the eyestalk. One cell was found in the medulla terminalis of the eyestalk and in the connective ganglion, respectively. From the latter, axonal branches could be traced into the brain and the thoracic ganglia (TG). In the TG, small-diameter perikarya give rise to extensive networks of varicose fibers. Some of the perikarya occur in a characteristic paired arrangement with larger CCAP-immunoreactive somata (diameter 40–50 m). These pairs of one small and one large cell occur in all mouthpart and leg segments of the TG, except the abdominal ganglia (AG), where only large cells were found. The main projections of the large neurons comprise one or more fibers in each of the seven segmental nerves (SN), leading to neurosecretory terminals in the PO. The fibers in the SN are joined by branches of an ascending axonal tract from the large perikarya in the AG. The large-type perikarya are considered to be the principal source of CCAP in the PO. The optic ganglia in the eyestalk, except the medulla terminalis, the neurohemal sinus gland and the stomatogastric nervous system are devoid of CCAP-immunoreactivity.In axon terminals of the PO, CCAP is not colocalized with other PO-neuropeptides, i.e. proctolin-, FMRFamide-like, and Leu-enkephalin-like immunoreactive materials. Electron-microscopic immunocytochemistry revealed a distinct CCAP-containing granule type in specific axon profiles and terminals in the PO.The architecture of CCAP-immunoreactive neurons is discussed with respect to previous morphological studies on the origin and pathways of fibers terminating in the PO.Dedicated to Professor K.E. Wohlfarth-Bottermann, Bonn, on the occasion of his 65^th birthday     

PBAN/pyrokinin peptides in the central nervous system of the fire ant, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Solenopsis invicta</Emphasis>

The pyrokinin/pheromone-biosynthesis-activating neuropeptide (PBAN) family of peptides found in insects is characterized by a 5-amino-acid C-terminal sequence, FXPRLamide. The pentapeptide is the active core required for diverse physiological functions, including the stimulation of pheromone biosynthesis in female moths, muscle contraction, induction of embryonic diapause, melanization, acceleration of puparium formation, and termination of pupal diapause. We have used immunocytochemical techniques to demonstrate the presence of pyrokinin/PBAN-like peptides in the central nervous system of the fire ant, Solenopsis invicta. Polyclonal antisera against the C-terminal end of PBAN have revealed the location of the peptide-producing cell bodies and axons in the central nervous system. Immunoreactive material is detectable in at least three groups of neurons in the subesophageal ganglion and corpora cardiaca of all adult sexual forms. The ventral nerve cord of adults consists of two segmented thoracic ganglia and four segmented abdominal ganglia. Two immunoreactive pairs of neurons are present in the thoracic ganglia, and three neuron pairs in each of the first three abdominal ganglia. The terminal abdominal ganglion has no immunoreactive neurons. PBAN immunoreactive material found in abdominal neurons appears to be projected to perisympathetic organs connected to the abdominal ganglia. These results indicate that the fire ant nervous system contains pyrokinin/PBAN-like peptides, and that these peptides are released into the hemolymph. In support of our immunocytochemical results, significant pheromonotropic activity is found in fire ant brain-subesophageal ganglion extracts from all adult fire ant forms (queens, female and male alates, and workers) when extracts are injected into decapitated females of Helicoverpa zea. This is the first demonstration of the presence of pyrokinin/PBAN-like peptides and pheromonotropic activity in an ant species. This research was supported in part by a US-Israel Binational Science Foundation Grant (no. 2003367).     

Distribution of serotonin-like immunoreactive neurons in the slug<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Limax valentianus</Emphasis>

Immunohistochemical techniques were used to study the distribution of serotonin-containing neurons in the nervous system of the slug Limax valentianus. Approximately 350 serotonin-like immunoreactive cell bodies were found in the central nervous system. These were located in the cerebral, pedal, visceral and right parietal ganglia. Most serotonin-like immunoreactive neurons had small cell bodies, which were aggregated into discrete clusters. A pair of previously identified metacerebral giant cells were found on the anterior side of the cerebral ganglion, and two additional pairs of uniquely identifiable, serotonin-like immunoreactive cells were found on the posterior side of the cerebral ganglion. The whole-mount maps of these stained neurons will be useful in further physiological and biochemical studies of olfactory learning at the cellular level in Limax valentianus.This study was supported by Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science, Sports and Technology, Japan (nos. 12307053 and 13771353)     

Localization of allatostatin-immunoreactive material in the central nervous system,stomatogastric nervous system,and gut of the cockroach Blattella germanica

Immunoreactivity against peptides of the allatostatin family having a typical YXFGL-NH₂ C-terminus has been localized in different areas of the central nervous system, stomatogastric nervous system and gut of the cockroach Blattella germanica. In the protocerebrum, the most characteristic immunoreactive perikarya are situated in the lateral and median neurosecretory cell groups. Immunoreactive median neurosecretory cells send their axons around the circumesophageal connectives to form arborizations in the anterior neuropil of the tritocerebrum. A group of cells in the lateral aspect of the tritocerebrum project to the antennal lobes in the deutocerebrum, where immunoreactive arborizations can be seen in the periphery of individual glomeruli. Nerve terminals were shown in the corpora allata. These terminals come from perikarya situated in the lateral neurosecretory cells in the pars lateralis and in the subesophageal ganglion. Immunoreactive axons from median neurosecretory cells and from cells positioned in the anteriormost part of the tritocerebrum enter together in the stomatogastric nervous system and innervate foregut and midgut, especially the crop and the valve between the crop and the midgut. The hindgut is innervated by neurons whose perikarya are located in the last abdominal ganglion. Besides immunoreactivity in neurons, allatostatin-immunoreactive material is present in endocrine cells distributed within the whole midgut epithelium. Possible functions for these peptides according to their localization are discussed. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 37:269–282, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

The synaptic organization of visual interneurons in the lobula complex of flies

Summary The synaptic organization of three classes of cobalt-filled and silver-intensified visual interneurons in the lobula complex of the blowfly Calliphora (Col A cells, horizontal cells and vertical cells) was studied electron microscopically. The Col A cells are regularly spaced, columnar, small field neurons of the lobula, which constitute a plexus of arborizations at the posterior surface of the neuropil and the axons of which terminate in the ventrolateral protocerebrum. They show postsynaptic specializations in the distal layer of their lobula-arborizations and additional presynaptic sites in a more proximal layer; their axon terminals are presynaptic to large descending neurons projecting into the thoracic ganglion. The horizontal and vertical cells are giant tangential neurons, the arborizations of which cover the anterior and posterior surface of the lobula plate, respectively, and which terminate in the perioesophageal region of the protocerebrum. Both classes of these giant neurons were found to be postsynaptic in the lobula plate and pre- and postsynaptic at their axon terminals and axon collaterals. The significance of these findings with respect to the functional properties of the neurons investigated is discussed.     

Synaptic relationships between proopiomelanocortin- and ghrelin-containing neurons in the rat arcuate nucleus

Both proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and ghrelin peptides are implicated in the feeding regulation. The synaptic relationships between POMC- and ghrelin-containing neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus were studied using double-immunostaining methods at the light and electron microscope levels. Many POMC-like immunoreactive axon terminals were found to be apposed to ghrelin-like immunoreactive neurons and also to make synapses with ghrelin-like immunoreactive neuronal perikarya and dendritic processes. Most of the synapses were symmetrical in shape. A small number of synapses made by ghrelin-like immunoreactive axon terminals on POMC-like immunoreactive neurons were also identified. Both the POMC- and ghrelin-like immunoreactive neurons were found to contain large dense granular vesicles. These data suggest that the POMC-producing neurons are modulated via synaptic communication with ghrelin-containing neurons. Moreover, ghrelin-containing neurons may also have a feedback effect on POMC-containing neurons through direct synaptic contacts.