ISSN:
1432-0878
Keywords:
Immunocytochemistry
;
Catch-relaxing peptide (CARP)
;
Nervous system, central
;
Nervous system, peripheral
;
Helix pomatia (Mollusca)
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Immunocytochemistry was performed on the nervous system of Helix by the use of an antibody raised against a myotropic neuropeptide, the catch-relaxing peptide (CARP), isolated from Mytilus edulis. In each ganglion of the central nervous system of Helix pomatia, numerous CARP-immunoreactive cell bodies and a dense immunoreactive fiber system could be observed with a dominancy in the cerebral and pedal ganglia. The majority of the immunoreactive neurons are unipolar, although multipolar neurons also occur. In the neuropil areas, CARP-immunoreactive fibers show extensive arborization, which may indicate a central role of CARP. CARP-immunoreactive elements could be observed in each investigated peripheral nerve and peripheral areas, namely in the intestine, heart, aorta, buccal mass, lips, and foot. However, CARP-immunoreactive cell bodies could only be demonstrated in the intestine and the foot musculature. Thin varicose CARP-immunoreactive fibers were observed over both muscle and gland cells in the different peripheral organs, suggesting a peripheral role of CARP. In vivo CARP injection into the body cavity (10-3, 10-4, 10-5 M) altered the general behavioral state of the animals and induced the relaxation of the musculature of the whole body wall indicating that CARP has a significant role in the regulation of muscle contraction.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00307806
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