Immunohistochemical localization of nNOS in the skin and nerve fibers of the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris L. (Annelida Oligochaeta).
The epidermis of the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris is a multifunctional tissue. It is composed of supporting, mucous, neuroendocrine-like, sensory and basal cells. NO is considered to be a molecule that regulates numerous functional activities (also in non-neuronal cells) in vertebrates. In the earthworm epidermis, we found neuronal NO synthase immunopositivity in orthochromatic and metachromatic mucous cells, neuroendocrine-like cells and in epidermal and subepidermal nerve fibers and striated muscle fibers. It is suggested that NO has a multitude of biological actions, affecting functional activities of the epidermis such as tissue homeostasis, control of secretion, proliferation, respiration, defense, water-salt balance, as well as regulation of tonus in vascular and striated muscles.
Licata
Aurelio
A
Department of Animal Biology and Marine Ecology, Faculty of Science, University of Messina, Italy. alicata@unime.it
Ainis
Luigi
L
Martella
Silvestro
S
Ricca
Maria Beatrice
MB
Licata
Patrizia
P
Lauriano
Eugenia Rita
ER
Zaccone
Giacomo
G
D000818:Animals; D002455:Cell Division; D004817:Epidermis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods*; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism*; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase / Q000378:metabolism*; D009835:Oligochaeta; D012867:Skin / Q000378:metabolism*
D009569:Nitric Oxide; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase