Neuropeptides in free-living and parasitic flatworms (Platyhelminthes). An immunocytochemical study |
| |
Authors: | Marianne Wikgren Maria Reuter Margaretha Gustafsson |
| |
Affiliation: | (1) Institute of Biology, Åbo Akademi, Porthansg. 3-5, 20500 Åbo, Finland |
| |
Abstract: | The nervous systems of the turbellarians Microstomum lineare and Polycelis nigra and of the cestodes Diphyllobothrium dendriticum and Schistocephalus solidus were studied by means of the peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) immunocytochemical method, with the use of antisera to the neuropeptides FMRF-amide, vasotocin, leu-enkephalin, met-enkephalin, neurotensin, somatostatin, and VIP, and to the bioamine serotonin. Anti-FMRF-amide positive perikarya and fibers occurred in all species, while the occurrence of the vertebrate brain-gut peptides and serotonin varied between the species. Anti-somatostatin and anti-VIP gave a negative result. Anti-FMRF-amide and anti-vasotocin positive immunoreactivity was found in the brain and gut of M. lineare, and in the CNS and the peripheral nerve net of the cestodes. We suggest that the brain-gut peptides of free-living flatworms act on the subtegumental region in the cestodes, which lack a gut but absorb their nutrients directly through the tegument. |
| |
Keywords: | Turbellaria Cestoda Neuropeptides Serotonin Immunocytochemistry |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|