ISSN:
1432-0878
Keywords:
Neuropeptides
;
Avian brain
;
Endocrine glands
;
Avian embryos
;
Immunocytochemistry
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary In embryos of the domestic mallard, domestic fowl, and Japanese quail vasotocin-, mesotocin-, luliberin (LHRH)-, met-enkephalin-, cortico- tropin-, and somatostatin-immunoreactive perikarya and fiber formations were visualized at different incubation stages by means of the PAP technique (Sternberger 1979). The most striking results were: (1) Vasotocin-, mesotocin-, and luliberin-immunoreactive systems display, up to the late embryonic period, morphological features most probably related to a neurohormonal function. (2) Met-enkephalin immunoreactivity appears very late during embryonic life; it is restricted to fiber networks and not found in perikarya. (3) Corticotropin immunoreactivity is observed in the tuberal region temporarily at the end of the second and the beginning of the last third of the incubation period. (4) Somatostatin-immunoreactive material is present (i) at the end of the first third of incubation, in association with the olfactory system; (ii) during the same period, adjacent to thin-layered portions of the roof of the brain; (iii) shortly thereafter, in cells of both pancreatic primordia and thyroid gland; and (iv) onward from the middle of the incubation period, in a mesencephalic cell group. The striking difference, in the early embryo, between the mature somatostatin system and the immature character of the surrounding tissues may indicate that somatostatin plays a role in the development of the brain, as well as the pancreas, and the thyroid gland.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01258490
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