Chromatographic and immunological characterisation of neuropeptide Y-like and pancreatic polypeptide-like peptides from the nematode Ascaris suum.
1. Immunoreactivity (IR) towards neuropeptide Y (NPY) and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) has previously been demonstrated in nematodes by immunocytochemistry (ICC). 2. The PP- and NPY-IR in the nematode parasite Ascaris suum were analysed using HPLC and radioimmunoassays (RIAs) specific for either peptide. 3. Quantitative RIA data on the distribution of these IRs in the parasite disagreed with ICC data suggesting that different tissue treatments used in the two techniques lead to different antigen availability. 4. Significant quantities of PP- and NPY-IR were found in the pseudocoelomic fluid suggesting a role for this medium in the transport of peptides. 5. The parasite possessed chromatographically-distinct PP- and NPY-IRs, with each IR being composed of several distinct molecules.
Comparative Neuroendocrinology Research Group, Queen's University, Belfast, North Ireland, U.K.
D
D
Smart
C
C
Shaw
C F
CF
Johnston
D W
DW
Halton
I
I
Fairweather
K D
KD
Buchanan
D000818:Animals; D017165:Ascaris suum / Q000737:chemistry*; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D009478:Neuropeptide Y / Q000032:analysis*; D010191:Pancreatic Polypeptide / Q000032:analysis*; D011863:Radioimmunoassay
D009478:Neuropeptide Y; D010191:Pancreatic Polypeptide