Neurotrophin-like immunoreactivity in the gut of teleost species.
By means of immunochemistry and immunohistochemistry, we investigated in the gut of teleostean species the presence and localization of three neurotrophins: nerve growth factor (NGF), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin (NT)-3. In all studied species both NGF- and NT-3-like immunoreactivity (IR) were present in the enteric nervous system, while BDNF-like IR was never detected. More in particular, both NGF and NT-3-like IR were detected in neurons of small and large intestine, while only NT3-like IR was also observed in stomach plexuses. Furthermore, Western blot analysis revealed the presence of molecules immunoreactive to NGF and NT-3, which weight were very similar to those of mammalian corresponding neurotrophins. These results extend to teleost species the presence and distribution of NGF- and NT-3-like IR in the enteric nervous system, suggesting a well-preserved presence of these substances in the gut during vertebrate phylogenesis.
Lucini
C
C
Dip. Strutture, Funzioni e Tecnologie Biologiche, University of Naples Federico II, Via Veterinaria 1, Italy. lucini@unina.it
Maruccio
L
L
Arcamone
N
N
Lamanna
C
C
Castaldo
L
L
D000818:Animals; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000378:metabolism; D004064:Digestive System / Q000378:metabolism*; D005399:Fishes / Q000378:metabolism*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D020932:Nerve Growth Factor / Q000378:metabolism; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000378:metabolism*; D020933:Neurotrophin 3 / Q000378:metabolism; D013045:Species Specificity
D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D020933:Neurotrophin 3; D020932:Nerve Growth Factor