The distribution of Met-enkephalin like immunoreactivity in the brain of Apteronotus leptorhynchus, with emphasis on the electrosensory system.
The distribution of Met-enkephalin-like immunoreactivity in the brain of the electric fish, Apteronotus leptorhynchus was analysed by immunohistochemistry. The majority of Met-enkephalin immunoreactive neurons were found in the hypothalamus. Dense Met-enkephalin immunoreactive fiber plexuses were seen in the hypothalamus and ventral forebrain. In the dorsal telencephalon an olfacto-recipient region (ventral subdivision of the dorsolateral forebrain) was specifically and densely innervated. Regions of the brain known to be involved in electrocommunication also received a substantial innervation by Met-enkephalin-like immunoreactive fibers. This distribution of immunoreactive fibers in the brain of this gymnotiform fish indicates that Met-enkephalin may be generally involved in the regulation of sensory, neuroendocrine and reproductive functions and specifically in the regulation of electrocommunication.
Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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Richards
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Maler
D000818:Animals; D001923:Brain Chemistry; D004027:Diencephalon / Q000737:chemistry; D004555:Electric Fish; D004743:Enkephalin, Leucine / Q000032:analysis; D004744:Enkephalin, Methionine / Q000032:analysis*; D007031:Hypothalamus / Q000737:chemistry; D008636:Mesencephalon / Q000737:chemistry; D009474:Neurons / Q000737:chemistry; D012249:Rhombencephalon / Q000737:chemistry; D013687:Telencephalon / Q000737:chemistry; D014018:Tissue Distribution
D004744:Enkephalin, Methionine; D004743:Enkephalin, Leucine