ISSN:
1432-0878
Keywords:
Nervous system
;
Nervous system, peripheral
;
Catecholamines
;
Immunohistochemistry
;
Glyoxylic acid fluorescence
;
Ophryotrocha puerilis (Annelida)
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary The complex catecholaminergic (CA) nervous system of the polychaete Ophryotrocha puerilis is documented using glyoxylic acid induced fluorescence (GIF) and immunohistochemistry. CA-neurons are found both in the central and peripheral nervous system. In the brain, about 50 CA-neurons are present in the perikaryal layer together with numerous CA fibres. Two pairs of CA perikarya are characteristic for each ganglion of the ventral nerve cord. CA-neurites in the ventral nerve cord are mainly arranged in 4 strands paralleling the longitudinal axis of the worm. Fluorescent neurons with receptive ciliary structures are present in body appendages (antennae, palps, urites, parapodial cirri), in the body-wall, and within the oesophageal wall. Furthermore, a subepidermal nerve net of free CA nerve endings has been found. After incubation of specimens with dopamine prior to the development of GIF more fluorescent perikarya could be observed; the fluorescence was also intensified. Pre-incubation with reserpine reduced the intensity of GIF. Results of high pressure liquid chromatography and immunostaining with a polyclonal antibody against a dopamine-glutaraldehyde-complex suggest that dopamine is the major CA transmitter. It is thought that dopaminergic neurons together with ciliary receptive structures act as mechano- and/or chemoreceptors.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00318152
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