Serotonin-and FMRFamide-immunoreactive nerve elements in the chiton Lepidopleurus asellus (Mollusca,Polyplacophora)

The distribution of serotonin-like and FMRFamide-like immunoreactive (5HT-ir and FMRFa-ir, respectively) neurons in the nervous system of the chiton Lepidopleurus asellus (Mollusca, Polyplacophora) was studied using an immunocytochemical technique. The neurons were distributed in characteristic patterns in the central nervous system, the 5HT-ir neurons predominating in the ventral (pedal) cords and FMRFa-ir neurons in the lateral cords. In the body wall including the foot, a tight network of 5HT-ir and FMRFa-ir nerve fibers is found, the former being mostly attributed to the musculature whereas the latter seems to be associated with the blood sinuses. Intraepithelial neurons of both types are abundant in the fore-and hindgut. The presence and general distribution in the central and peripheral nervous system of the 5HT-ir and FMRFa-ir elements seems thus to be similar in simple and advanced molluscs. The relationship between these neurons and their targets in the body also appears to be well conserved in molluscs.