Cholinergic, serotoninergic and peptidergic components of the nervous system of Haematoloechus medioplexus (Trematoda, Digenea), characterised by cytochemistry.
Cholinergic, serotoninergic and peptidergic neuronal pathways have been demonstrated in whole-mount preparations of the frog-lung digenean trematode, Haematoloechus medioplexus, using enzyme cytochemical methodologies and indirect immunocytochemical techniques in conjunction with confocal scanning laser microscopy. All 3 classes of neuroactive substance were found throughout both central and peripheral elements of a well-developed orthogonal nervous system. Peptidergic immunoreactivity was particularly strong, using antisera directed to native flatworm neuropeptides, neuropeptide F, and FMRF amide-related peptides (FaRPs), and there was significant overlap in the staining with that for cholinergic components. The serotoninergic system appeared quite separate, with the staining localised to a different set of neurons.
Humphries
J E
JE
Comparative Neuroendocrinology Research Group, School of Clinical Medicine, Queen's University of Belfast, U.K.
Halton
D W
DW
Johnston
R N
RN
Maule
A G
AG
Johnston
C F
CF
Shaw
C
C
D000818:Animals; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000737:chemistry; D002802:Cholinesterases / Q000032:analysis*; D019084:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect; D017952:Ganglia, Invertebrate / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000737:chemistry*; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D009412:Nerve Fibers / Q000737:chemistry*; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000032:analysis*; D017933:Peripheral Nervous System / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000737:chemistry; D012701:Serotonin / Q000032:analysis*; D014200:Trematoda / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000737:chemistry
D009479:Neuropeptides; C076101:neuropeptide F; D012701:Serotonin; D002802:Cholinesterases