Development of immunoreactivity to the invertebrate neuropeptide small cardiac peptide B in the tapeworm Diphyllobothrium dendriticum

Complex insight on microanatomy of larval "human broad tapeworm" Dibothriocephalus latus (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidea)

BACKGROUND

In Europe, the tapeworm Dibothriocephalus latus (syn. Diphyllobothrium latum) is a well-known etiological agent of human diphyllobothriosis, which spreads by the consumption of raw fish flesh infected by plerocercoids (tapeworm's larval stage). However, the process of parasite establishment in both intermediate and definitive hosts is poorly understood. This study was targeted mainly on the scolex (anterior part) of the plerocercoid of this species, which facilitates penetration of the parasite in intermediate paratenic fish hosts, and subsequently its attachment to the intestine of the definitive host.

METHODS

Plerocercoids were isolated from the musculature of European perch (Perca fluviatilis) caught in Italian alpine lakes. Parasites were examined using confocal microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Immunofluorescence tagging was held on whole mount larvae.

RESULTS

The organisation of the central and peripheral nervous system was captured in D. latus plerocercoids, including the ultrastructure of the nerve cells possessing large dense neurosecretory granules. Two types of nerve fibres run from the body surface toward the nerve plexus located in the parenchyma on each side of bothria. One type of these fibres was found to be serotoninergic and possessed large subtegumental nerve cell bodies. A well-developed gland apparatus, found throughout the plerocercoid parenchyma, produced heterogeneous granules with lucent core packed in a dense layer. Three different types of microtriches occurred on the scolex and body surface of plerocercoids of D. latus: (i) uncinate spinitriches; (ii) coniform spinitriches; and (iii) capilliform filitriches. Non-ciliated sensory receptors were observed between the distal cytoplasm of the tegument and the underlying musculature.

CONCLUSIONS

Confocal laser scanning microscopy and electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) showed the detailed microanatomy of the nervous system in the scolex of plerocercoids, and also several differences in the larval stages compared with adult D. latus. These features, i.e. well-developed glandular system and massive hook-shaped uncinate spinitriches, are thus probably required for plerocercoids inhabiting fish hosts and also for their post-infection attachment in the human intestine.

Functional morphology of the platyhelminth nervous system

As the most primitive metazoan phylum, the Platyhelminthes occupies a unique position in nervous system evolution. Centrally, their nervous system consists of an archaic brain from which emanate one or more pairs of longitudinal nerve cords connected by commissures; peripherally, a diverse arrangement of nerve plexuses of varying complexity innervate the subsurface epithelial and muscle layers, and in the parasitic taxa they are most prominent in the musculature of the attachment organs and egg-forming apparatus. There is a range of neuronal-cell types, the majority being multi- and bipolar. The flatworm neuron is highly secretory and contains a heterogeneity of vesicular inclusions, dominated by densecored vesicles, whose contents may be released synaptically or by paracrine secretion for presumed delivery to target cells via the extracellular matrix. A wide range of sense organ types is present in flatworms, irrespective of life-styles. The repertoire of neuronal substances identified cytochemically includes all of the major candidate transmitters known in vertebrates. Two groups of native flatworm neuropeptides have been sequenced, neuropeptide F and FMRFamide-related peptides (FaRPs), and immunoreactivities for these have been localised in dense-cored neuronal vesicles in representatives of all major fiatworm groups. There is evidence of co-localisation of peptidergic and cholinergic elements; serotoninergic components generally occupy a separate set of neurons. The actions of neuronal substances in flatworms are largely undetermined, but FaRPs and 5-HT are known to be myoactive in all of the major groups, and there is immuno-cytochemical evidence that they have a role in the mechanism of egg assembly.

The gull-tapeworm, Diphyllobothrium dendriticum and neuropeptide F: an immunocytochemical study

Neuropeptide F (Moniezia expansa) immunoreactivity (NPF-IR) has been detected in the nervous system of plerocercoid and adult stages of the gull-tapeworm Diphyllobothrium dendriticum, using immunocytochemical methodology. The application of the antiserum for this authentic flatworm neuropeptide to whole-mounts and frozen sections of the worm has resulted in new information about its neuroanatomy. Thus, at regular intervals, transverse nerves extend from the main nerve cords laterally, joining the longitudinal lateral minor cords in the cortical parenchyma. In the adult worm, the transverse nerves are located at the posterior border of each proglottis. The medullary parenchyma lacks NPF-IR. The NPF-immunoreactive cell bodies are bi- to multipolar and preferentially located in the peripheral nervous system, in close association with the holdfast musculature of the scolex and the extensive body musculature. NPF-IR was observed in the innervation to the muscular ducts of the reproductive system. The pattern of NPF-IR was compared with that recorded for RFamide- and 5-HT-IR and double-immunostaining has revealed separate populations of serotoninergic and peptidergic neurones.

Neuronal signal substances in asexual multiplication and development in flatworms

1. The phenomenon of asexual multiplication is rare in the animal kingdom. It occurs, however, in all main flatworm taxa. Flatworms are characterized by an extensive versatility, ranging from the different types of asexual multiplication to the different orthogonal plans for the nervous system. The role of the nervous system in the asexual multiplication taking place in flatworms is pointed out and discussed. 2. Immunocytochemical studies of the changes in the flatworm neuroanatomy show that the nervous system, particularly the main never cords, has a central role during asexual development. 3. Antibodies to different neuronal substances yield different immunoreactivity patterns and develop according to different time schedules. Serotoninergic nervous elements seem to have a leading role. 4. Substances produced by the nervous system influence fissioning and subsequent regeneration in free-living flatworms in the following ways. (a) A function as a wound hormone has been suggested for the neuropeptide RF-amide. (b) Mitogenic effects have been shown for several biogenic amines and neuropeptides. (c) Inhibitory roles are suggested for somatostatin and melatonin in connection with cell proliferation respective fissioning. 5. Growth factors have been observed both in free-living and parasitic flatworms. 6. Cells reactive to antibodies against epidermal growth factor increase in number in parallel with increases in mitotic activity in the gull tapeworm and occur in regions with high mitotic activity. A correlation between these two phenomena is suggested.

An immunocytochemistry study comparing the occurrence of neuroactive substances in the nervous system of cercariae and metacercariae of the eye fluke Diplostomum spathaceum

The nervous system of two larval stages (cercariae, metacercariae) of eye fluke Diplostomum spathaceum was investigated immunocytochemically by the application of antisera to the amino acid glutamate and to neuropeptides isolated from invertebrates (Mollusca) and from vertebrates to whole-mount preparations. In cercariae, positive immunoreactivity (IR) was observed with antisera raised against Catch-relaxing peptide (CARP), FMRFamide, alpha-caudodorsal cell peptide (alpha-CDCP), substance P, vasotocin, and vasopressin. In metacercariae, in addition to positive staining with these antisera, the ones raised against glutamate, APGWamide, caudodorsal cell hormone I (CDCH-I), and small cardiac peptide B (SCPB) also gave positive IR in the nervous system. In the two larval stages the most extensive pattern of IR was observed with anti-FMRFamide and anti-CARP. In the nervous system of metacercariae the same immunoreactive neurosubstances appeared to be present as in that of cercariae. The increase in the variety of immunoreactive neurosubstances in the more complex nervous system of metacercariae is discussed in relation to parasite development and to host adaptation.

The flatworm nervous system: pattern and phylogeny

The flatworms occupy a position at the base of the metazoan phylogenetic tree; they have a bilateral symmetric nervous system and an archaic brain. The following aspects, brought into focus by the use of new methods, will be dealt with in the present paper. 1. The high degree of diversity on all levels of the flatworm nervous system (NS). 2. The concept of main nerve cords is defined and the use of this concept in avoiding confusions in the terminology of nerve cords is stressed. 3. The archaic nature of the stomatogastric NS is reviewed. 4. The new data about neuronal celltypes implying advanced features at this low phylogenetic level. 5. The ultrastructural studies of neuronal cells indicating (A) that a common secretory cell type containing dense-core vesicles is archaic and a likely progenitor cell type for conventional neurons of advanced flatworms and (B) that an independent evolution of synaptic structures and glial cells has occurred inside the flatworm taxon. 6. The multitude of neuroactive substances demonstrated by light microscopic histofluorescence, immunocytochemistry, liquid chromatography, and HPLC. The cholinergic, aminergic, and peptidergic substances often occur in different neuronal compartments.

Ultrastructural localization of pancreatic polypeptide- and FMRFamide immunoreactivities within the central nervous system of the nematode, Ascaris suum (Nematoda: Ascaroidea)

A post-embedding immunogold technique has been used to examine the subcellular distribution of immunoreactivities to vertebrate pancreatic polypeptide (PP) and to the invertebrate peptide, FMRFamide within the central nervous system (CNS) of the nematode, Ascaris suum. Gold labelling of peptide was localized exclusively over dense-cored vesicles within nerve cell bodies, nerve axons and nerve terminals of the main ganglia and nerve cords in the CNS. Double-labelling of peptides demonstrated an apparent co-localization of PP and FMRFamide immunoreactivities in the same dense-cored vesicles, although populations of dense-cored vesicles that labelled solely for FMRFamide were also evident. Antigen preabsorption studies indicated little or no cross-reactivity between the two antisera.

Ultrastructural localisation of FMRFamide- and pancreatic polypeptide-immunoreactivities within the central nervous system of the liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica (Trematoda, Digenea)

A post-embedding immunogold technique was used to examine the subcellular distribution of immunoreactivities to the invertebrate peptide, FMR-Famide, and to vertebrate pancreatic polypeptide (PP) within the central nervous system of the trematode, Fasciola hepatica. Gold labeling of peptide was localised exclusively over both dense-cored and ellipsoidal electron-dense vesicles (with a homogeneous matrix) present within nerve cell bodies, small and 'giant' nerve processes of the neuropile in the cerebral ganglia and transverse commissure, as well as in the main longitudinal nerve cords. Double labeling demonstrated an apparent co-localisation of FMRFamide and PP immunoreactivities in the same dense-cored vesicles, although populations of ellipsoidal electron-dense vesicles that labeled solely for FMRFamide were also evident. Antigen pre-absorption studies indicated little, if any, cross-reactivity of the two antisera.

Cytochemical observations on the nervous system of adult Corrigia vitta

Adult Corrigia vitta (Trematoda: Dicrocoelidea) inhabit the pancreatic duct of the fieldmouse, Apodemus sylvaticus, where, in numbers, they may occlude the duct lumen and prevent the flow of pancreatic secretions. Enzyme histochemical and immunocytochemical techniques, in conjunction with confocal scanning laser microscopy, have been used to examine the localization and distribution of cholinergic, serotoninergic (5-HT, serotonin) and peptidergic components of the nervous system of the adult worm. All three classes of neuronal mediator showed a common pattern of staining, occurring throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. Of the four peptide immunoreactivities (IR) demonstrated (pancreatic polypeptide (PP), peptide YY (PYY), substance P (SP), FMRFamide), PP-IR was the most predominant, occurring not only within the central ganglia and longitudinal nerve cords, but also in subtegumental plexuses and in fibres associated with the egg-forming apparatus. PYY and FMRFamide IRs were evident throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems; FMRFamide immunostaining, in particular, highlighted innervation of the ootype and immunoreactive cell bodies around the Mehlis' gland. Both SP- and 5-HT-IRs were restricted to the cerebral ganglia, ventral nerve cords and associated cell bodies. The distribution patterns of these peptides and 5-HT within the nervous system of C. vitta suggest they are likely to function as neuronal mediators. PP, PYY and FMRFamide may also serve in regulating egg production.

The cholinergic, serotoninergic and peptidergic components of the nervous system of Moniezia expansa (Cestoda, Cyclophyllidea)

The central (CNS) and peripheral (PNS) nervous systems of the cyclophyllidean tapeworm, Moniezia expansa, were examined for the presence of cholinergic, serotoninergic and peptidergic elements using enzyme cytochemical and immunocytochemical techniques in conjunction with light and confocal scanning laser microscopy. Cholinesterase activity and 5-hydroxytryptamine- and regulatory peptide-immunoreactivities (IRs) were localized to the nerve fibres and cell bodies of all of the major neuronal components in the CNS of the worm, including the cerebral ganglia and connecting commissure, the 10 longitudinal nerve cords and associated transverse ring commissures. Although each of the 3 systems appeared well developed and comprised a significant portion of the nervous system, the serotoninergic constituent was the most highly developed, consisting of a vast array of nerve fibres and cell bodies distributed throughout the strobila of the worm. A close association of cholinesterase reactivity and peptide-IRs was evident throughout the CNS, indicating the possible co-localization of acetylcholine and neuropeptides. Within the PNS, cholinergic activity and serotoninergic- and peptidergic-IRs occurred in the subtegumental network of nerve fibres and somatic musculature. Although all 3 neurochemical elements were present in the acetabula, they were found in different nerve fibres; only cholinergic and peptidergic cell bodies were found. The common genital opening, vagina and ootype regions of the reproductive system displayed a rich innervation of all 3 types of neuronal populations. Within the peptidergic system, immunostaining with antisera raised to the C-terminus of the neuropeptide Y superfamily of peptides and the invertebrate peptides, neuropeptide F (M. expansa) and FMRFamide was the most prevalent. Limited positive-IR for substance P and neurokinin A were also recorded in the CNS of the worm.

Immunocytochemical evidence for the presence of substance P-like peptide in Diphyllobothrium dendriticum

Substance P immunoreactivity (SP-IR) was detected in the nervous system of the gull-tapeworm Diphyllobothrium dendriticum. The distribution of the SP-IR neurons in the plerocercoid differs from that of other peptidergic and aminergic neurons in the worm. As well as occurring in the ganglionic commissure and along the two main nerve cords, SP-IR neurons are located laterally to the main nerve cords but not dorsally or ventrally. The SP-IR neurons have projections extending to the surface. Bipolar SP-IR neurons with processes to the surface also occur in the tip of the scolex. A sensory function for the SP-IR neurons is suggested.

Neuropeptide F-immunoreactivity in the tetrathyridium of Mesocestoides corti (Cestoda: Cyclophyllidea)

The distribution pattern and subcellular localisation of neuropeptide F (NPF) immunoreactivity (IR) in the tetrathyridium stage of Mesocestoides corti were investigated by whole-mount immunocytochemistry in conjunction with confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM) and by immunoelectron microscopy using immunogold labeling. Using an antiserum directed to the C-terminal decapeptide amide (residues 30-39) of synthetic NPF (Moniezia expansa), CSLM revealed NPF-IR throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems of parental and dividing tetrathyridia. Ultrastructurally, gold labeling of NPF-IR was confined to the contents of the smaller of the two sizes of electron-dense neuronal vesicle identified.

Electron immunogold labeling of regulatory peptide immunoreactivity in the nervous system of Moniezia expansa (Cestoda: Cyclophyllidea)

An electron immunogold-labeling technique was used in conjunction with a post-embedding procedure to demonstrate for the first time the ultrastructural distribution of the parasitic platyhelminth neuropeptide, neuropeptide F (NPF), in the nervous system of the cestode Moniezia expansa. Two axon types, distinguished by their populations of different-sized electron-dense vesicles, were identified. Immunogold labeling demonstrated an apparent homogeneity of PP, FMRFamide and NPF (M. expansa) antigenic sites throughout the larger dense-cored vesicles within the central nervous system. Triple labeling clearly demonstrated the co-localisation of immunoreactivities (IR) for NPF, PP and FMRFamide within the same dense-cored vesicles. The presence of NPF-IR within the vesicles occupying the perikaryon of the neuronal cell body indicated that the peptides had undergone post-translational C-terminal amidation prior to entering the axon. Antigen pre-absorption experiments using NPF prevented labeling with either PP or FMRFamide antisera, and the failure of these antisera to block NPF-IR supports the view that some, if not all, of the PP/FMRFamide-IR is due to NPF-like peptides.

Localization and identification of catecholamines in the nervous system of Diphyllobothrium dendriticum (Cestoda)

In the central and peripheral nervous system of larval and adult Diphyllobothrium dendriticum, catecholamines were detected using the glyoxylic acid-induced fluorescence method. High-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed the presence of dopa (about 65 ng/g fresh weight) and dopamine (5 ng/g fresh weight).

Role of regulatory peptides in parasitic platyhelminths and their vertebrate hosts: possible novel factors in host-parasite interactions

The study of regulatory peptides has its origins in the classical work of Bayliss & Starling (1902). Their pioneering work on the presence of a factor in intestinal extracts which, when injected into the bloodstream of experimental animals, elicited pancreatic secretion, led to the genesis of the concept of the hormone, i.e. a chemical messenger which is released from one part of the body in response to a stimulus to travel in the bloodstream to a distant target tissue where it would elicit a physiological response appropriate to the original stimulus. In keeping with accepted scientific tradition, this concept had its critics. Pavlov, who had been studying secretory stimulation from a different perspective, concluded from his work on salivation in dogs, that this was mediated via neural pathways. With hindsight, and the benefits of knowledge obtained from nearly a century of scientific research, we now know that these pioneers were in actual fact studying different aspects of the same process and that both theories were complementary. In fact, it is becoming increasingly difficult to ascribe secretory control to either circulating or neuronal factors as both appear to be intimately involved in regulation.

Neuropeptides in platyhelminths

The neuropeptide story began in 1928 with the description by Ernst Scharrer of gland-like nerve cells in the hypothalamus of the minnow,Phoxinus laevis.Because these nerve cells were overwhelmingly specialized for secretory activity, overshadowing other neuronal properties, Scharrer termed them ‘neurosecretory neurons’. What was even more remarkable about the cells was that their products were released into the bloodstream to act as hormones, specifically neurohormones. Neurosecretory cells were identified largely on morphological grounds. That is, they could be stained with special techniques, such as chrome-haematoxylin and paraldehyde-fuchsin, although the techniques are far from specific, staining non-neurosecretory cells as well. However, the basis for the ‘special’ neurosecretory techniques is the demonstration of sulphur-containing proteins – so they are indicative of peptide-producing neurones. An alternative characteristic of neurosecretory cells is the presence of large (> 100 nm), dense-cored vesicles at the electron microscope level; these are the so-called elementary granules of neurosecretion, or ENGs. However, implicit in the concept of neurosecretion is that the prime function of the neurosecretory cell is in endocrine regulation, exerting a hormone-like control over some aspect of the organism's metabolism, by controlling endocrine glands and other effector organs. To satisfy this criterion, evidence had to be obtained of cycles of secretory activity within the cell that could be correlated with a change in the physiological condition of the organism.

Skin the tapeworms before you stain their nervous system! A new method for whole-mount immunocytochemistry

A new method for making whole-mount immunocytochemical preparations of thick-skinned tapeworms is described. The tough tegument of the worms, which is impermeable to primary and secondary antisera, is removed by placing live worms in distilled water for 5-8 h, during which period the tegument is shed. The worms are thereafter fixed and stained as whole specimens using fluorescence immunocytochemical techniques. Both the main nervous structures and the finest neuronal details are revealed by this technique. Several types of antisera combinations are used. Diphyllobothrium dendriticum and Eubothrium crassum served as model organisms in this study.

Regulatory peptides in parasitic platyhelminths

Regulatory peptides are short chains of amino acids that regulate cell-to-cell interactions in widely divergent animal groups. Evidence is accumulating to suggest that they mediate many aspects of physiology and behaviour, serving as neurotransmitters, neuromodulators and hormones. While most data in this field derive from studies on the mammalian nervous and endocrine systems, the last decade has witnessed an upsurge of interest in invertebrate peptide biology, not least because it is likely that many regulatory peptides originated in the nervous system of invertebrates. Platyhelminths, like other invertebrate groups investigated, contain numerous neuropeptides, and here David Halton and colleagues review the evidence that these putative signalling agents serve key roles in parasite motility, reproduction and morphogenesis. The physicochemical differences between host and parasite peptides raise the possibility that selective disruption of peptidergic control systems in parasites could be an exploitable target in future chemotherapeutic strategies.

The serotoninergic, cholinergic and peptidergic components of the nervous system in the monogenean parasite, Diclidophora merlangi: a cytochemical study

Confocal scanning laser microscopy has been employed with immunocytochemical techniques to map the distribution of serotoninergic and peptidergic components in the nervous system of the monogenean gill-parasite, Diclidophora merlangi; results are compared with the distribution of cholinergic components, following histochemical staining for cholinesterase activity. While all three neurochemical elements are present in the central and peripheral nervous systems, the cholinergic and peptidergic systems dominate the CNS, whereas the PNS has a majority of serotoninergic nerve fibres. The cholinergic and peptidergic neuronal pathways overlap extensively in staining patterns, suggesting possible co-localization of acetylcholine and neuropeptides. Within the peptidergic nervous system, immunoreactivity to the pancreatic polypeptide family of peptides and FMRFamide were the most prevalent. Gastrin/cholecystokinin (CCK)-, neuropeptide Y-, substance P-, neurokinin A- and eledoisin-like immunoreactivities have been demonstrated for the first time in a monogenean parasite. The gastrin/CCK- and tachykinin-like immunoreactivities had an apparently restricted distribution in the worm.

Peptidergic nerve elements in three developmental stages of the tetraphyllidean tapeworm Trilocularia acanthiaevulgaris. An immunocytochemical study

The localization and distribution of seven neuropeptides in the nervous system of the plerocercoid, adult and free proglottis stages of the tetraphyllidean tapeworm Trilocularia acanthiaevulgaris have been determined by an indirect immunofluorescence technique. Six of the peptides are vertebrate-derived, namely, pancreatic polypeptide (PP), peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), peptide histidine isoleucine (PHI), substance P (SP) and somatostatin (SRIF); the seventh is the invertebrate neuropeptide, FMR Famide. This is the first demonstration of VIP and SP immunoreactivity in a cestode parasite, and for SRIF this is its first description in any parasitic platyhelminth. Cell bodies and nerve fibres immunoreactive to PP, PYY, VIP, SP and FMRFamide are present throughout the CNS; the distributions of PHI and SRIF were more restricted. In the PNS, nerve fibres immunoreactive to PP occur in the bothridia, whilst in the free proglottis nerve fibres immunoreactive to PYY and VIP innervate the gonads; VIP-immunoreactive nerve elements also supply the reproductive ducts. Extra-neuronal sitings of peptide immunoreactivities were evident for PHI, in association with the excretory system, and for SRIF, in presumed tegumental cell bodies in the free proglottis. The results are discussed in relation to the possible roles of the peptides in the neurophysiology and developmental biology of the worm.

Occurrence and distribution of putative neurotransmitters in the frog-lung parasite Haplometra cylindracea (Trematoda: Digenea)

The localisation and distribution of the cholinergic, serotoninergic and peptidergic components of the nervous system of the frog-lung fluke Haplometra cylindracea have been determined by the application of standard enzyme cytochemical and immunocytochemical techniques to cryostat sections and whole-mount preparations. Cholinesterase activity (ChE), as indicative of acetylcholine, has been demonstrated cytochemically in the CNS and PNS; however, the anterior ganglia were notably unreactive. The occurrence of serotonin was examined by an indirect immunofluorescence technique, and immunoreactivity (IR) was demonstrable in small, paired anterior ganglia and in fine nerve fibres associated with the somatic muscle, cirrus and gonopore. The peptidergic portion of the nervous system was investigated using antisera to 17 mammalian regulatory peptides and the invertebrate peptide FMRFamide, and was visualised by both indirect immunofluorescence and confocal scanning laser microscopy. Positive immunostaining occurred with antisera raised against pancreatic polypeptide (PP), peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY), substance P (SP), peptide histidine isoleucine (PHI) and FMRFamide. Immunoreactivity to PP, PYY and FMRFamide was widespread throughout the nervous system and was evident in large, paired anterior ganglia, the dorsal commissure, main nerve tracts and the extensive array of small fibres that constitute the PNS. In contrast, the distribution of nerves immunoreactive to SP and PHI was less apparent, with PHI-IR occurring exclusively within the fibrous neuropile of the ganglia and in fibres of the ventral nerve cord. Results are discussed with respect to the distribution of the various neurochemical elements and their roles as putative neurotransmitters and/or regulatory molecules.

A cytochemical study of the serotoninergic, cholinergic and peptidergic components of the reproductive system in the monogenean parasite, Diclidophora merlangi

The reproductive system of the monogenean gill parasite, Diclidophora merlangi, was examined for the presence of cholinergic, serotoninergic and peptidergic innervation using cytochemical and immunocytochemical techniques. Cholinesterase activity and 5-hydroxytryptamine immunoreactivity (5-HT-IR) were confined to neural elements of the male reproductive system, being evident in the innervation of the cirrus, whereas only 5-HT was present in nerves and somata of the elongate seminal vesicle. Peptidergic innervation was localised to both the male and female reproductive systems of the worm. Within the female reproductive apparatus pancreatic polypeptide, peptide tyrosine tyrosine, neuropeptide Y, substance P, neurokinin A, eledoisin, FMRFamide and gastrin/cholecystokinin immunoreactive fibres and somata were observed in the oviduct, vitelline reservoir and ovovitelline duct. Intense peptide immunoreactivity was identified in fibres in the wall of the ootype and in a surrounding population (greater than 100) of somata that were situated beyond Mehlis' gland cells and all of which were connected to the ootype wall by fine cytoplasmic connectives. The strategic location of this peptidergic cell population infers its involvement in the egg-forming sequence in this platyhelminth parasite.

Development and differentiation of neuronal subsets in asexually reproducing Microstomum lineare. Immunocytochemistry of 5-HT, RF-amide and SCPB

The development of immunoreactivity (IR) in the nervous system of asexually reproducing Microstomum lineare has been studied by a combination of simultaneous and double immunostaining with antisera to 5-HT and RF-amide, as well as with monoclonal antibodies to SCPB (molluscan small cardioactive peptide). Immunoreactivity appears in a distinct sequential order. 5-HT antigenicity in the postpharyngeal commissure indicates the initiation of the development of a new zooid. The development of a new brain and pharyngeal plexus always starts in connection to the parental nerve cords. Significantly different developmental patterns are observed for the IR to 5-HT and RF-amide, whereas IR to SCPB has the same localization as that to RF-amide, but appears both weaker and later during the development. Influences of the immunoreactive substances on the asexual reproduction and the feeding behaviour are discussed.