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.
Richards
S
S
Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Maler
L
L
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