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Comparative analysis of the distribution of bradykinin-, GYIRFamide- and neuropeptide F-like immunoreactivities in the monogenean, Diclidophora merlangi

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 May 1997

G. R. MAIR
Affiliation:
Comparative Neuroendocrinology Research Group, The Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, Northern Ireland, UK
A. G. MAULE
Affiliation:
Comparative Neuroendocrinology Research Group, The Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, Northern Ireland, UK
D. W. HALTON
Affiliation:
Comparative Neuroendocrinology Research Group, The Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, Northern Ireland, UK
D. ORR
Affiliation:
Comparative Neuroendocrinology Research Group, The Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, Northern Ireland, UK
R. N. JOHNSTON
Affiliation:
Comparative Neuroendocrinology Research Group, The Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, Northern Ireland, UK
C. F. JOHNSTON
Affiliation:
Comparative Neuroendocrinology Research Group, The Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, Northern Ireland, UK
C. SHAW
Affiliation:
Comparative Neuroendocrinology Research Group, The Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, Northern Ireland, UK

Abstract

An indirect immunocytochemical technique combined with confocal scanning laser microscopy has been used to demonstrate immunoreactivities to the nonapeptide, RPPGFSPFR (bradykinin, BK) and the endogenous flatworm regulatory peptide, GYIRFamide in the nervous system of the monogenean, Diclidophora merlangi. In addition, a simultaneous double-labelling technique was employed to examine possible co-localization of GYIRFamide- and neuropeptide F (NPF) immunoreactivities, using antisera to the C-terminal nonapeptide-amide of NPF (Moniezia expansa, FAIIGRPRF.NH2). BK immunostaining was restricted to a small population of nerve cells and associated fibres within the ventral nerve cords and to 2 pairs of nerve cells innervating the cirrus and the pharynx, respectively. No immunopositive nerve cells and fibres were identified within the brain or in association with the female reproductive apparatus. In contrast, GYIRFamide staining was abundant throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems, and appeared similar to the staining pattern revealed using an FMRFamide antiserum. GYIRFamide immunoreactivity was localized to nerve cells and fibres within the paired cerebral ganglia and the longitudinal ventral, dorsal and lateral nerve cords and their numerous interconnecting transverse commissures. The plexuses of the buccal suckers, pharynx and clamps of the haptor were strongly immunopositive for GYIRFamide, as were nerve cells innervating the ootype, the oviduct and the vitelline reservoir of the reproductive apparatus. Double-labelling experiments indicated an apparent co-localization of GYIRFamide and NPF immunoreactivities.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
1997 Cambridge University Press

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