Immunocytochemical demonstration of 5-HT-like and FMRF-amide-like substances in whole mounts of Microstomum lineare (Turbellaria)

Summary A whole mount immunofluorescence method is used for an investigation of immunoreactivity (IR) to anti-(a-) 5-HT and anti-(a-)FMRF-amide in the nervous system (NS) of Microstomum lineare (Turbellaria, Macrostomida, Platyhelminthes). New details of the organization of the NS are demonstrated, differences in 5-HT and FMRF amide IR are revealed, and new information on the development of the NS in zooids is obtained. In contrast to previous reports of a reduction (one pair of nerve cords without transverse processes) of the basic turbellarian plan, IR to both antisera reveals three pairs of longitudinal nerve cords, and features of the orthogonal organization, characterized by transverse commissures. The lateral pair of nerve cords is the most prominent. The following differences in the patterns of 5-HT and FMRF-amide IR are observed: 1. Perikarya positive for a-5-HT and a-FMRF-amide in the brain show different localizations. 2. Perikarya positive for a-5HT occur along the main lateral nerve cords, while the cords visualized by FMRF-amide IR look double-stranded and lack associated perikarya. 3. 5-HT IR is observed in a postpharyngeal commissure, which is absent in the a FMRF-amide-stained preparations. 4. In developing zooids 5-HT IR is first observed in the postpharyngeal commissure and later on in an increasing number of perikarya and in the neuropile. The first FMRF-amide IR in developing zooids appears in the cerebral commissure and in two perikarya in front of this commissure.