NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry and nitric oxide synthase activity in deutocerebrum of the crayfish, Pacifastacus leniusculus (Crustacea, Decapoda).
The activity of an nitric oxide synthase in the deutocerebrum of the crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus was investigated with histochemical and biochemical methods. By using the NADPH-diaphorase histochemical reaction, known as a selective marker for NO synthase in mammals, it was possible to localize specific neuronal elements in the crayfish. Pronounced diaphorase-staining was observed in peripheral olfactory sensory cells and in the neuropil of the olfactory lobes. Less intense diaphorase-staining also occurred in other deutocerebral neuropils, such as the accessory lobes, the lateral antennular neuropil and in the deutocerebral commissure neuropil. The biochemical assay revealed a calcium/calmodulin-dependent formation of citrulline from L-arginine in brain homogenate. It was also possible to show that the selective NO synthase inhibitor L-NOARG decreased the formation of citrulline. These data indicate a role for NO as an intercellular messenger in the crayfish.
Johansson
K U
KU
Department of Zoology, University of Lund, Sweden.
Carlberg
M
M
D000594:Amino Acid Oxidoreductases / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D003400:Astacoidea / Q000201:enzymology*; D001921:Brain / Q000201:enzymology; D002956:Citrulline / Q000096:biosynthesis; D008058:Dihydrolipoamide Dehydrogenase / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D008297:Male; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase; D013194:Staining and Labeling
D002956:Citrulline; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase; D000594:Amino Acid Oxidoreductases; D008058:Dihydrolipoamide Dehydrogenase