The presence of immunoreactive vertebrate bioactive peptide substances in hemocytes of the freshwater snail Viviparus ater (Gastropoda, Prosobranchia).
1. Using an immunocytochemical procedure a wide range of immunoreactive vertebrate bioactive peptides (BAPs) has been found in hemocytes of Viviparus ater: bombesin, calcitonin, CCK-8, CCK-39, GH, glucagon, insulin, oxytocin, neurotensin, secretin, serotonin, somatostatin, substance P, vasopressin, and VIP. 2. No immunostaining was observed for antigastrin and antithyroglobulin antibodies. 3. The presence of BAP-like molecules in hemocytes suggests a correlation between hemocyte and APUD cells and is evidence of a relationship between the neuroendocrine and the immune systems.
Department of Animal Biology, University of Modena, Italy.
E
E
Ottaviani
A
A
Franchini
P
P
Fontanili
D001078:APUD Cells / Q000737:chemistry; D000818:Animals; D005075:Biological Evolution; D003429:Cross Reactions; D006434:Hemocytes / Q000737:chemistry*; D015213:Neuroimmunomodulation; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000276:immunology; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000276:immunology; D010455:Peptides / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology; D012908:Snails / Q000378:metabolism*
D009479:Neuropeptides; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D010455:Peptides