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Artiushin G, Corver A, Gordus A. A three-dimensional immunofluorescence atlas of the brain of the hackled-orb weaver spider, Uloborus diversus. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.09.05.611298. [PMID: 39314479 PMCID: PMC11418967 DOI: 10.1101/2024.09.05.611298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
Spider orb-web building is a captivating, rare example of animal construction, whose neural underpinnings remain undiscovered. An essential step in understanding the basis of this behavior is a foundational mapping of the spider's neuroanatomy, which has thus far been primarily studied using non-web building species. We created a three-dimensional atlas for the hackled orb-weaver, Uloborus diversus, based on immunostaining for the presynaptic component, synapsin, in whole-mounted spider synganglia. Aligned to this volume, we examined the expression patterns of neuronal populations representing many of the classical neurotransmitter and neuromodulators, as well as a subset of neuropeptides - detailing immunoreactivity in an unbiased fashion throughout the synganglion, revealing co-expression in known structures, as well as novel neuropils not evident in prior spider works. This optically-sliced, whole-mount atlas is the first of its kind for spiders, representing a substantive addition to knowledge of brain anatomy and neurotransmitter expression patterns for an orb-weaving species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abel Corver
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Johns Hopkins Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Andrew Gordus
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
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Jin P, Zhu B, Jia Y, Zhang Y, Wang W, Shen Y, Zhong Y, Zheng Y, Wang Y, Tong Y, Zhang W, Li S. Single-cell transcriptomics reveals the brain evolution of web-building spiders. Nat Ecol Evol 2023; 7:2125-2142. [PMID: 37919396 PMCID: PMC10697844 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-023-02238-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Spiders are renowned for their efficient capture of flying insects using intricate aerial webs. How the spider nervous systems evolved to cope with this specialized hunting strategy and various environmental clues in an aerial space remains unknown. Here we report a brain-cell atlas of >30,000 single-cell transcriptomes from a web-building spider (Hylyphantes graminicola). Our analysis revealed the preservation of ancestral neuron types in spiders, including the potential coexistence of noradrenergic and octopaminergic neurons, and many peptidergic neuronal types that are lost in insects. By comparing the genome of two newly sequenced plesiomorphic burrowing spiders with three aerial web-building spiders, we found that the positively selected genes in the ancestral branch of web-building spiders were preferentially expressed (42%) in the brain, especially in the three mushroom body-like neuronal types. By gene enrichment analysis and RNAi experiments, these genes were suggested to be involved in the learning and memory pathway and may influence the spiders' web-building and hunting behaviour. Our results provide key sources for understanding the evolution of behaviour in spiders and reveal how molecular evolution drives neuron innovation and the diversification of associated complex behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengyu Jin
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bingyue Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yinjun Jia
- School of Life Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yiming Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China
| | - Yunxiao Shen
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yami Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Tong
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shuqiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Senior EE, Poulin HE, Dobecki MG, Anair BM, Fabian-Fine R. Co-expression of the neuropeptide proctolin and glutamate in the central nervous system, along mechanosensory neurons and leg muscle in Cupiennius salei. Cell Tissue Res 2020; 382:281-292. [PMID: 32556729 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-020-03217-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Similar to hair cells in the mammalian cochlear system, mechanosensory neurons in the Central American wandering spider Cupiennius salei are strongly innervated by efferent fibers that originate from neurons whose somata are located in the central nervous system (CNS). In both the mammalian and arachnid systems, efferent fibers have been shown to co-express two or more transmitters; however, our understanding regarding co-transmission and how it affects sensory signal transduction and processing in these systems is only fragmentary. The spider model system is exceptionally suitable for this type of investigation due to the large size and easy accessibility of the sensory and efferent neurons in this system. Thus far, GABA and glutamate have been identified as the main fast-acting transmitters in efferent axons that form synaptic contacts onto sensory neurons in slit sense organs. Ultrastructural investigations suggest an abundance of neuropeptides within these peripheral synapses. In an effort to identify these peptides and conduct functional studies, we have employed immunohistochemistry to investigate whether the neuropeptide proctolin is present in neurons of the leg ganglia and in peripheral leg structures. Here, we demonstrate that ~ 73% of all neurons in the CNS of C. salei show proctolin-like immunoreactivity (proc-LIR) including the leg ganglia. We demonstrate that both strongly and weakly labeled neurons can be distinguished. The majority of proc-LIR neurons show weak labeling intensity and ~ 86.2% co-localize with glutamate. In future experiments, we plan to undertake functional studies to investigate the significance of this co-expression, which has yet to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth E Senior
- Department of Biology, Saint Michael's College, One Winooski Park, Colchester, VT, 05349, USA
| | - Hailee E Poulin
- Department of Biology, Saint Michael's College, One Winooski Park, Colchester, VT, 05349, USA
| | - Madison G Dobecki
- Department of Biology, Saint Michael's College, One Winooski Park, Colchester, VT, 05349, USA
| | - Bradley M Anair
- Department of Biology, Saint Michael's College, One Winooski Park, Colchester, VT, 05349, USA
| | - Ruth Fabian-Fine
- Department of Biology, Saint Michael's College, One Winooski Park, Colchester, VT, 05349, USA.
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Auletta A, Rue MCP, Harley CM, Mesce KA. Tyrosine hydroxylase immunolabeling reveals the distribution of catecholaminergic neurons in the central nervous systems of the spiders Hogna lenta (Araneae: Lycosidae) and Phidippus regius (Araneae: Salticidae). J Comp Neurol 2020; 528:211-230. [PMID: 31343075 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
With over 48,000 species currently described, spiders (Arthropoda: Chelicerata: Araneae) comprise one of the most diverse groups of animals on our planet, and exhibit an equally wide array of fascinating behaviors. Studies of central nervous systems (CNSs) in spiders, however, are relatively sparse, and no reports have yet characterized catecholaminergic (dopamine [DA]- or norepinephrine-synthesizing) neurons in any spider species. Because these neuromodulators are especially important for sensory and motor processing across animal taxa, we embarked on a study to identify catecholaminergic neurons in the CNS of the wolf spider Hogna lenta (Lycosidae) and the jumping spider Phidippus regius (Salticidae). These neurons were most effectively labeled with an antiserum raised against tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate-limiting enzyme in catecholamine synthesis. We found extensive catecholamine-rich neuronal fibers in the first- and second-order optic neuropils of the supraesophageal mass (brain), as well as in the arcuate body, a region of the brain thought to receive visual input and which may be involved in higher order sensorimotor integration. This structure likely shares evolutionary origins with the DA-enriched central complex of the Mandibulata. In the subesophageal mass, we detected an extensive filigree of TH-immunoreactive (TH-ir) arborizations in the appendage neuromeres, as well as three prominent plurisegmental fiber tracts. A vast abundance of TH-ir somata were located in the opisthosomal neuromeres, the largest of which appeared to project to the brain and decorate the appendage neuromeres. Our study underscores the important roles that the catecholamines likely play in modulating spider vision, higher order sensorimotor processing, and motor patterning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Auletta
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota
| | - Mara C P Rue
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota
| | - Cynthia M Harley
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota
| | - Karen A Mesce
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota.,Department of Neuroscience and Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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Distribution of FMRFamide-related peptides and co-localization with glutamate in Cupiennius salei, an invertebrate model system. Cell Tissue Res 2018; 376:83-96. [PMID: 30406824 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-018-2949-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
FMRFamide-related proteins have been described in both vertebrate and invertebrate nervous systems and have been suggested to play important roles in a variety of physiological processes. One proposed function is the modulation of signal transduction in mechanosensory neurons and their associated behavioral pathways in the Central American wandering spider Cupiennius salei; however, little is known about the distribution and abundance of FMRFamide-related proteins (FaRPs) within this invertebrate system. We employ immunohistochemistry, Hoechst nuclear stain and confocal microscopy of serial sections to detect, characterize and quantify FMRFamide-like immunoreactive neurons throughout all ganglia of the spider brain and along leg muscle. Within the different ganglia, between 3.4 and 12.6% of neurons showed immunolabeling. Among the immunoreactive cells, weakly and strongly labeled neurons could be distinguished. Between 71.4 and 81.7% of labeled neurons showed weak labeling, with 18.3 to 28.6% displaying strong labeling intensity. Among the weakly labeled neurons were characteristic motor neurons that have previously been shown to express ɣ-aminobutyric acid or glutamate. Ultrastructural investigations of neuromuscular junctions revealed mixed presynaptic vesicle populations including large electron-dense vesicles characteristic of neuropeptides. Double labeling for glutamate and FaRPs indicated that a subpopulation of neurons may co-express both neuroactive compounds. Our findings suggest that FaRPs are expressed throughout all ganglia and that different neurons have different expression levels. We conclude that FaRPs are likely utilized as neuromodulators in roughly 8% of neurons in the spider nervous system and that the main transmitter in a subpopulation of these neurons is likely glutamate.
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Sukumar V, Liu H, Meisner S, French AS, Torkkeli PH. Multiple Biogenic Amine Receptor Types Modulate Spider, Cupiennius salei, Mechanosensory Neurons. Front Physiol 2018; 9:857. [PMID: 30050453 PMCID: PMC6052906 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The biogenic amines octopamine (OA), tyramine (TA), dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), and histamine (HA) affect diverse physiological and behavioral processes in invertebrates, but recent findings indicate that an additional adrenergic system exists in at least some invertebrates. Transcriptome analysis has made it possible to identify biogenic amine receptor genes in a wide variety of species whose genomes have not yet been sequenced. This approach provides new sequences for research into the evolutionary history of biogenic amine receptors and allows them to be studied in experimentally accessible animal models. The Central American Wandering spider, Cupiennius salei, is an experimental model for neurophysiological, developmental and behavioral research. We identified ten different biogenic amine receptors in C. salei transcriptomes. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that, in addition to the typical receptors for OA, TA, DA, and 5-HT in protostome invertebrates, spiders also have α1- and α2-adrenergic receptors, but lack TAR2 receptors and one invertebrate specific DA receptor type. In situ hybridization revealed four types of biogenic amine receptors expressed in C. salei mechanosensory neurons. We used intracellular electrophysiological experiments and pharmacological tools to determine how each receptor type contributes to modulation of these neurons. We show that arachnids have similar groups of biogenic amine receptors to other protostome invertebrates, but they lack two clades. We also clarify that arachnids and many other invertebrates have both α1- and α2-adrenergic, likely OA receptors. Our results indicate that in addition to an OAβ-receptor that regulates rapid and large changes in sensitivity via a Gs-protein activating a cAMP mediated pathway, the C. salei mechanosensory neurons have a constitutively active TAR1 and/or α2-adrenergic receptor type that adjusts the baseline sensitivity to a level appropriate for the behavioral state of the animal by a Gq-protein that mobilizes Ca2+.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaishnavi Sukumar
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Hongxia Liu
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Shannon Meisner
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Andrew S French
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Päivi H Torkkeli
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Fabian-Fine R, Anderson CM, Roush MA, Johnson JAG, Liu H, French AS, Torkkeli PH. The distribution of cholinergic neurons and their co-localization with FMRFamide, in central and peripheral neurons of the spider Cupiennius salei. Cell Tissue Res 2017; 370:71-88. [PMID: 28687927 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-017-2652-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The spider Cupiennius salei is a well-established model for investigating information processing in arthropod sensory systems. Immunohistochemistry has shown that several neurotransmitters exist in the C. salei nervous system, including GABA, glutamate, histamine, octopamine and FMRFamide, while electrophysiology has found functional roles for some of these transmitters. There is also evidence that acetylcholine (ACh) is present in some C. salei neurons but information about the distribution of cholinergic neurons in spider nervous systems is limited. Here, we identify C. salei genes that encode enzymes essential for cholinergic transmission: choline ACh transferase (ChAT) and vesicular ACh transporter (VAChT). We used in-situ hybridization with an mRNA probe for C. salei ChAT gene to locate somata of cholinergic neurons in the central nervous system and immunohistochemistry with antisera against ChAT and VAChT to locate these proteins in cholinergic neurons. All three markers labeled similar, mostly small neurons, plus a few mid-sized neurons, in most ganglia. In the subesophageal ganglia, labeled neurons are putative efferent, motor or interneurons but the largest motor and interneurons were unlabeled. Groups of anti-ChAT labeled small neurons also connect the optic neuropils in the spider protocerebrum. Differences in individual cell labeling intensities were common, suggesting a range of ACh expression levels. Double-labeling found a subpopulation of anti-VAChT-labeled central and mechanosensory neurons that were also immunoreactive to antiserum against FMRFamide-like peptides. Our findings suggest that ACh is an important neurotransmitter in the C. salei central and peripheral nervous systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Fabian-Fine
- Department of Biology, Saint Michael's College, One Winooski Park, Box 283, Colchester, VT, 05439, USA.
| | - Carly M Anderson
- Department of Biology, Saint Michael's College, One Winooski Park, Box 283, Colchester, VT, 05439, USA
| | - Molly A Roush
- Department of Biology, Saint Michael's College, One Winooski Park, Box 283, Colchester, VT, 05439, USA
| | - Jessica A G Johnson
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, PO Box 15000, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Hongxia Liu
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, PO Box 15000, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Andrew S French
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, PO Box 15000, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Päivi H Torkkeli
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, PO Box 15000, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
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Abstract
There is a tension between the conception of cognition as a central nervous system (CNS) process and a view of cognition as extending towards the body or the contiguous environment. The centralised conception requires large or complex nervous systems to cope with complex environments. Conversely, the extended conception involves the outsourcing of information processing to the body or environment, thus making fewer demands on the processing power of the CNS. The evolution of extended cognition should be particularly favoured among small, generalist predators such as spiders, and here, we review the literature to evaluate the fit of empirical data with these contrasting models of cognition. Spiders do not seem to be cognitively limited, displaying a large diversity of learning processes, from habituation to contextual learning, including a sense of numerosity. To tease apart the central from the extended cognition, we apply the mutual manipulability criterion, testing the existence of reciprocal causal links between the putative elements of the system. We conclude that the web threads and configurations are integral parts of the cognitive systems. The extension of cognition to the web helps to explain some puzzling features of spider behaviour and seems to promote evolvability within the group, enhancing innovation through cognitive connectivity to variable habitat features. Graded changes in relative brain size could also be explained by outsourcing information processing to environmental features. More generally, niche-constructed structures emerge as prime candidates for extending animal cognition, generating the selective pressures that help to shape the evolving cognitive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilton F Japyassú
- Biology Institute, Federal University of Bahia, Rua Barão de Jeremoabo s/n, Campus de Ondina, Salvador, Bahia, 40170-115, Brazil.
- Centre for Biodiversity, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, Harold Mitchell Building, St Andrews, Fife, UK, KY16 9TH.
| | - Kevin N Laland
- Centre for Biodiversity, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, Harold Mitchell Building, St Andrews, Fife, UK, KY16 9TH
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Martin C, Gross V, Pflüger HJ, Stevenson PA, Mayer G. Assessing segmental versus non-segmental features in the ventral nervous system of onychophorans (velvet worms). BMC Evol Biol 2017; 17:3. [PMID: 28049417 PMCID: PMC5209844 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-016-0853-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Due to their phylogenetic position as one of the closest arthropod relatives, studies of the organisation of the nervous system in onychophorans play a key role for understanding the evolution of body segmentation in arthropods. Previous studies revealed that, in contrast to the arthropods, segmentally repeated ganglia are not present within the onychophoran ventral nerve cords, suggesting that segmentation is either reduced or might be incomplete in the onychophoran ventral nervous system. Results To assess segmental versus non-segmental features in the ventral nervous system of onychophorans, we screened the nerve cords for various markers, including synapsin, serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid, RFamide, dopamine, tyramine and octopamine. In addition, we performed retrograde fills of serially repeated commissures and leg nerves to localise the position of neuronal somata supplying those. Our data revealed a mixture of segmental and non-segmental elements within the onychophoran nervous system. Conclusions We suggest that the segmental ganglia of arthropods evolved by a gradual condensation of subsets of neurons either in the arthropod or the arthropod-tardigrade lineage. These findings are in line with the hypothesis of gradual evolution of segmentation in panarthropods and thus contradict a loss of ancestral segmentation within the onychophoran lineage. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12862-016-0853-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Martin
- Department of Zoology, University of Kassel, Heinrich-Plett-Str. 40, D-34132, Kassel, Germany.
| | - Vladimir Gross
- Department of Zoology, University of Kassel, Heinrich-Plett-Str. 40, D-34132, Kassel, Germany
| | - Hans-Joachim Pflüger
- Institute of Biology, Neurobiology, Free University of Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 28-30, D-14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Paul A Stevenson
- Physiology of Animals and Behaviour, Institute of Biology, University of Leipzig, Talstraße 33, D-04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Georg Mayer
- Department of Zoology, University of Kassel, Heinrich-Plett-Str. 40, D-34132, Kassel, Germany
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Co-localization of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid and Glutamate in Neurons of the Spider Central Nervous System. Cell Tissue Res 2015. [PMID: 26197966 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-015-2241-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Spider sensory neurons with cell bodies close to various sensory organs are innervated by putative efferent axons from the central nervous system (CNS). Light and electronmicroscopic imaging of immunolabeled neurons has demonstrated that neurotransmitters present at peripheral synapses include γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate and octopamine. Moreover, electrophysiological studies show that these neurotransmitters modulate the sensitivity of peripheral sensory neurons. Here, we undertook immunocytochemical investigations to characterize GABA and glutamate-immunoreactive neurons in three-dimensional reconstructions of the spider CNS. We document that both neurotransmitters are abundant in morphologically distinct neurons throughout the CNS. Labeling for the vesicular transporters, VGAT for GABA and VGLUT for glutamate, showed corresponding patterns, supporting the specificity of antibody binding. Whereas some neurons displayed strong immunolabeling, others were only weakly labeled. Double labeling showed that a subpopulation of weakly labeled neurons present in all ganglia expresses both GABA and glutamate. Double labeled, strongly and weakly labeled GABA and glutamate immunoreactive axons were also observed in the periphery along muscle fibers and peripheral sensory neurons. Electron microscopic investigations showed presynaptic profiles of various diameters with mixed vesicle populations innervating muscle tissue as well as sensory neurons. Our findings provide evidence that: (1) sensory neurons and muscle fibers are innervated by morphologically distinct, centrally located GABA- and glutamate immunoreactive neurons; (2) a subpopulation of these neurons may co-release both neurotransmitters; and (3) sensory neurons and muscles are innervated by all of these neurochemically and morphologically distinct types of neurons. The biochemical diversity of presynaptic innervation may contribute to how spiders filter natural stimuli and coordinate appropriate response patterns.
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Hebets EA, Hansen M, Jones TC, Wilgers DJ. Octopamine levels relate to male mating tactic expression in the wolf spider Rabidosa punctulata. Anim Behav 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2014.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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12
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Huckstorf K, Kosok G, Seyfarth EA, Wirkner CS. The hemolymph vascular system in Cupiennius salei (Araneae: Ctenidae). ZOOL ANZ 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2012.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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13
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Widmer A, Höger U, Meisner S, French AS, Torkkeli PH. Spider peripheral mechanosensory neurons are directly innervated and modulated by octopaminergic efferents. J Neurosci 2005; 25:1588-98. [PMID: 15703413 PMCID: PMC6725986 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.4505-04.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Octopamine is a chemical relative of noradrenaline providing analogous neurohumoral control of diverse invertebrate physiological processes. There is also evidence for direct octopaminergic innervation of some insect peripheral tissues. Here, we show that spider peripheral mechanoreceptors are innervated by octopamine-containing efferents. The mechanosensory neurons have octopamine receptors colocalized with synapsin labeling in the efferent fibers. In addition, octopamine enhances the electrical response of the sensory neurons to mechanical stimulation. Spider peripheral mechanosensilla receive extensive efferent innervation. Many efferent fibers in the legs of Cupiennius salei are GABAergic, providing inhibitory control of sensory neurons, but there is also evidence for other neurotransmitters. We used antibody labeling to show that some efferents contain octopamine and that octopamine receptors are concentrated on the axon hillocks and proximal soma regions of all mechanosensory neurons in the spider leg. Synaptic vesicles in efferent neurons were concentrated in similar areas. Octopamine, or its precursor tyramine, increased responses of mechanically stimulated filiform (trichobothria) leg hairs. This effect was blocked by the octopamine antagonist phentolamine. The octopamine-induced modulation was mimicked by 8-Br-cAMP, a cAMP analog, and blocked by Rp-cAMPS, a protein kinase A inhibitor, indicating that spider octopamine receptors activate adenylate cyclase and increase cAMP concentration. Frequency response analysis showed that octopamine increased the sensitivity of the trichobothria neurons over a broad frequency range. Thus, the major effect of octopamine is to increase its overall sensitivity to wind-borne signals from sources such as flying insect prey or predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Widmer
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1X5 Canada
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Kovoor J, Muñoz-cuevas A, Ortega-Escobar J. Neurosecretory cells in the optic lobes of the brain and activity rhythms inLycosa tarentula(Araneae: Lycosidae). BIOL RHYTHM RES 2005. [DOI: 10.1080/09291010500051659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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15
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Harzsch S, Müller CHG, Wolf H. From variable to constant cell numbers: cellular characteristics of the arthropod nervous system argue against a sister-group relationship of Chelicerata and "Myriapoda" but favour the Mandibulata concept. Dev Genes Evol 2004; 215:53-68. [PMID: 15592874 DOI: 10.1007/s00427-004-0451-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2004] [Accepted: 11/05/2004] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In the new debate on arthropod phylogeny, structure and development of the nervous system provide important arguments. The architecture of the brain of Hexapoda, Crustacea and Chelicerata in recent years has been thoroughly compared against an evolutionary background. However, comparative aspects of the nervous systems in these taxa at the cellular level have been examined in only a few studies. This review sets out to summarize these aspects and to analyse the existing data with respect to the concept of individually identifiable neurons. In particular, mechanisms of neurogenesis, the morphology of serotonergic interneurons, the number of motoneurons, and cellular features and development of the lateral eyes are discussed. We conclude that in comparison to the Mandibulata, in Chelicerata the numbers of neurons in the different classes examined are much higher and in many cases are not fixed but variable. The cell numbers in Mandibulata are lower and the majority of neurons are individually identifiable. The characters explored in this review are mapped onto an existing phylogram, as derived from brain architecture in which the Hexapoda are an in-group of the Crustacea, and there is not any conflict of the current data with such a phylogenetic position of the Hexapoda. Nevertheless, these characters argue against a sister-group relationship of "Myriapoda" and Chelicerata as has been recently suggested in several molecular studies, but instead provide strong evidence in favour of the Mandibulata concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Harzsch
- Sektion Biosystematische Dokumentation und Abteilung Neurobiologie, Fakultät für Naturwissenschaften, Universität Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Strasse 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
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Harzsch S. Phylogenetic comparison of serotonin-immunoreactive neurons in representatives of the Chilopoda, Diplopoda, and Chelicerata: implications for arthropod relationships. J Morphol 2004; 259:198-213. [PMID: 14755751 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.10178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The phylogenetic relationships within the Arthropoda have been discussed controversially for more than a century. Comparative studies on structure and development of the nervous system have contributed important arguments to this discussion. Arthropods have individually identifiable neurons that can be used as characters in phylogenetic studies. In the present report, the arrangement of serotonin-immunoreactive neurons in the ventral nerve cord was examined in seven representatives of the Chelicerata, Chilopoda, and Diplopoda. The goal of this analysis was to determine whether number, arrangement, and axonal morphology of the serotonergic neurons in these groups are similar to the pattern found in representatives of the Hexapoda and Crustacea, as explored in a previous study. The results indicate that the pattern in the seven species examined here does not correspond to that present in the Hexapoda and Crustacea. In particular, the pattern in Chilopoda and Diplopoda is clearly different from that of the Hexapoda. The hexapodan pattern most closely resembles that of the Crustacea. These findings are discussed with regard to recent reports on the mechanisms of neurogenesis in these taxa. Furthermore, the proposed ground patterns of the various groups are reconstructed and the characters are plotted on two competing hypotheses of arthropod phylogeny, the traditional Tracheata hypothesis and an alternative hypothesis derived from molecular and recent morphological data, the Tetraconata concept. The data discussed in this article moderately support the Tetraconata hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Harzsch
- Sektion Biosystematische Dokumentation and Abteilung Neurobiologie, Universität Ulm, Helmholtzstrasse 20, D-89081 Ulm, Germany.
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Roeder T, Seifert M, Kähler C, Gewecke M. Tyramine and octopamine: antagonistic modulators of behavior and metabolism. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2003; 54:1-13. [PMID: 12942511 DOI: 10.1002/arch.10102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The phenolamines tyramine and octopamine are decarboxylation products of the amino acid tyrosine. Although tyramine is the biological precursor of octopamine, both compounds are independent neurotransmitters, acting through various G-protein coupled receptors. Especially, octopamine modulates a plethora of behaviors, peripheral and sense organs. Both compounds are believed to be homologues of their vertebrate counterparts adrenaline and noradrenaline. They modulate behaviors and organs in a coordinated way, which allows the insects to respond to external stimuli with a fine tuned adequate response. As these two phenolamines are the only biogenic amines whose physiological significance is restricted to invertebrates, the attention of pharmacologists was focused on the corresponding receptors, which are still believed to represent promising targets for new insecticides. Recent progress made on all levels of octopamine/tyramine research enabled us to better understand the molecular events underlying the control of complex behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Roeder
- University of Wuerzburg, Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Roentgenring, Germany.
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Wolf H, Harzsch S. Evolution of the arthropod neuromuscular system. 1. Arrangement of muscles and innervation in the walking legs of a scorpion: Vaejovis spinigerus (Wood, 1863) Vaejovidae, Scorpiones, Arachnida. ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2002; 31:185-202. [PMID: 18088980 DOI: 10.1016/s1467-8039(02)00043-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2002] [Revised: 08/12/2002] [Accepted: 08/26/2002] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
(1) The musculature of the walking legs is analysed with regard to both morphology and function in the scorpion, Vaejovis spinigerus (Wood, 1863) (Vaejovidae, Scorpiones, Arachnida), and selected other species. Conspicuous features are multipartite muscles, muscles spanning two joints, and partial lack of antagonistic muscles. The muscle arrangement is compared to that in the walking limbs of other Arthropoda and possible phylogenetic implications are discussed. (2). Histochemical characterisation of selected leg muscles indicates that these are composed of layers of slow, intermediate and fast muscle fibres. Anti-GABA immunohistochemistry shows that mainly the intermediate fibres receive innervation from putative inhibitory motoneurons. (3). Intracellular recording from muscle fibres reveals both excitatory and inhibitory muscle innervation. Individual muscle fibres may receive input from more than one inhibitory motoneuron, as indicated by different IPSP amplitudes. (4). The motoneuron supply of the leg muscles is analysed by retrograde fills of motor nerves. The general arrangement of leg motoneurons in the central nervous system and motoneuron anatomy conforms to the situation in pterygote insects and decapod crustaceans. For example, there are an anterior and a posterior group of leg motoneurons in each hemineuromere, and two contralateral somata near the ganglion midline. Between 12 and 20 motoneurons are found to supply each muscle. Most motoneuron cell bodies supplying a given muscle are arranged in a single cluster with a specific location.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Wolf
- Abteilung Neurobiologie, Universität Ulm, D-89069 Ulm, Germany
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Harzsch S, Glötzner J. An immunohistochemical study of structure and development of the nervous system in the brine shrimp Artemia salina Linnaeus, 1758 (Branchiopoda, Anostraca) with remarks on the evolution of the arthropod brain. ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2002; 30:251-270. [PMID: 18088960 DOI: 10.1016/s1467-8039(02)00012-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2001] [Accepted: 02/17/2002] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Brain morphology is an important character in the discussion of arthropod relationships. While a large body of literature is available on the brains of Hexapoda and Malacostraca, the structure of the brain has been rarely studied in representatives of the Entomostraca. This account examines the morphology and development of the nervous system in the brine shrimp Artemia salina Linnaeus, 1758 (Crustacea, Branchiopoda, Anostraca) by classical histology and immunohistochemistry against synaptic proteins (synapsins), and the neurotransmitters serotonin and histamine. The results indicate that the shape of the developing larval brain in A. salina (a circumstomodeal ring of neuropil) closely resembles that in malacostracan embryos. Furthermore, the organization of the central complex as well as the tritocerebral innervation pattern of the labrum is homologous in this species and in Malacostraca. Nevertheless, differences exist in the layout of the deutocerebrum, specifically in the absence of olfactory glomeruli in A. salina while the glomerular organization of the olfactory lobe is a character in the ground pattern of Malacostraca. These findings are compared to the brain structure in other Euarthropoda and possible phylogenetic implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Harzsch
- Sektion Biosystematische Dokumentation und Abteilung Neurobiologie, Fakultät für Naturwissenschaften, Universität Ulm, Helmholtzstrasse 20, 89081 Ulm, Germany
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Peripheral synapses at identified mechanosensory neurons in spiders: three-dimensional reconstruction and GABA immunocytochemistry. J Neurosci 1999. [PMID: 9870959 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.19-01-00298.1999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanosensory organs of arachnids receive diverse peripheral inputs. Little is known about the origin, distribution, and function of these chemical synapses, which we examined in lyriform slit sense organ VS-3 of the spider Cupiennius salei. The cuticular slits of this organ are each associated with two large bipolar mechanosensory neurons with different adaptation rates. With intracellular recording, we have now been able to correlate directly the staining intensity of a neuron for acetylcholinesterase with its adaptation rate, thus allowing us simply to stain a neuron to identify its functional type. All rapidly adapting neurons stain more heavily than slowly adapting neurons. Immunostaining of whole-mount preparations reveals GABA-like immunoreactive fibers forming numerous varicosities at the surface of all sensory neurons in VS-3; peripheral GABA-like immunoreactive somata are lacking. Sectioning the leg nerve procures rapid degeneration of most fiber profiles, confirming that the fibers are efferent. Punctate synapsin-like immunoreactivity colocalizes to these varicosities, although some synapsin-like immunoreactive puncta are GABA-immunonegative. Fibers with similar immunoreactivities are also associated with trichobothria, tactile hairs, internal joint receptors, i.e. other types of spider mechanosensory organs. In organ VS-3, immunoreactivity is most dense across the initial axon segment. The exact distribution of peripheral synapses was reconstructed from a 10-microm-long electron micrograph series of the dendritic, somatic, and initial axon regions of acetylcholinesterase-stained VS-3 neurons. These reveal a pattern similar to that of the synapsin-like immunoreactivity. Two different types of synapse were distinguished on the basis of their presynaptic vesicle populations. Many peripheral synapses thus appear to derive from efferent GABA-like immunoreactive fibers and probably provide centrifugal inhibitory control of primary mechanosensory activities.
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Battelle BA, Calman BG, Hart MK. Cellular distributions and functions of histamine, octopamine, and serotonin in the peripheral visual system, brain, and circumesophageal ring of the horseshoe crab Limulus polyphemus. Microsc Res Tech 1999; 44:70-80. [PMID: 10084827 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0029(19990115/01)44:2/3<70::aid-jemt2>3.0.co;2-v] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The data reviewed here show that histamine, octopamine, and serotonin are abundant in the visual system of the horseshoe crab Limulus polyphemus. Anatomical and biochemical evidence, including new biochemical data presented here, indicates that histamine is a neurotransmitter in primary retinal afferents, and that it may be involved in visual information processing within the lateral eye. The presence of histamine in neurons of the central nervous system outside of the visual centers suggests that this amine also has functions unrelated to vision. However, the physiological actions of histamine in the Limulus nervous system are not yet known. Octopamine is present in and released from the axons of neurons that transmit circadian information from the brain to the eyes, and octopamine mimics the actions of circadian input on many retinal functions. In addition, octopamine probably has major functions in other parts of the nervous system as octopamine immunoreactive processes are widely distributed in the central nervous system and in peripheral motor nerves. Indeed, octopamine modulates functions of the heart and exoskeletal muscles as well as the eyes. A surprising finding is that although octopamine is a circulating neurohormone in Limulus, there is no structural evidence for its release into the hemolymph from central sites. The distribution of serotonin in Limulus brain suggests this amine modulates the central processing of visual information. Serotonin modulates cholinergic synapses in the central nervous system, but nothing further is known about its physiological actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- B A Battelle
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, St. Augustine 32086, USA.
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Stevenson PA, Spörhase-Eichmann U. Localization of octopaminergic neurones in insects. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART A, PHYSIOLOGY 1995; 110:203-15. [PMID: 7712064 DOI: 10.1016/0300-9629(94)00152-j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
This paper reviews data on the localization of octopaminergic neurons revealed by immunocytochemistry in insects, primarily the locusts Schistocerca gregaria and Locusta migratoria, cricket Gryllus bimaculatus, and cockroach Periplaneta americana. Supporting evidence for their octopaminergic nature is mentioned where available. In orthopteran ventral ganglia, the major classes of octopamine-like immunoreactive (-LI) neurones include: (1) efferent dorsal and ventral unpaired median (DUM, VUM) neurones; (2) several intersegmentally projecting DUM interneurones in the suboesophageal ganglion; other DUM interneurones are probably GABAergic; (3) a pair of anterior median cells in the prothoracic ganglion; (4) a single pair of ventral cells in most thoracic and some other ganglia; these appear to be plurisegmentally projecting interneurones. Eight categories of octopamine-LI neurones occur in the orthopteran brain. The basic projections of three types are described here: one class project to the optic lobes to form wide field projections. Another type descends to cross into the tritocerebral commissure and may invade the contralateral brain hemisphere. A further class is the median neurosecretory cells with axons in the nervi corpori cardiaci I. Available data for the honey bee Apis mellifera and moth Manduca sexta indicate that the octopamine-LI cell types found in orthopterans also occur in holometabolous insects. Immunocytochemical evidence suggests that some octopaminergic DUM cells contain an FMRFamide-related peptide and the amino acid taurine as putative cotransmitters.
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Affiliation(s)
- P A Stevenson
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institut für Neurobiologie, Germany
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Breidbach O, Dircksen H, Wegerhoff R. Common general morphological pattern of peptidergic neurons in the arachnid brain: crustacean cardioactive peptide-immunoreactive neurons in the protocerebrum of seven arachnid species. Cell Tissue Res 1995; 279:183-97. [PMID: 7895257 DOI: 10.1007/bf00300703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
A polyclonal antiserum raised against crustacean cardioactive peptide labels 14 clusters of immunoreactive neurons in the protocerebrum of the spiders Tegenaria atrica and Nephila clavipes, and the harvestman (opilionid) Rilaena triangularis. In all species, these clusters possess the same number of neurons, and share similar structural and topological characteristics. Two sets of bilateral symmetrical neurons associated with the optic lobes and the arachnid "central body" were analysed in detail, comparing the harvestman R. triangularis and the spiders Brachypelma albopilosa (Theraphosidae), Cupiennius salei (Lycosidae), Tegenaria atrica (Agelenidae), Meta segmentata (Metidae) and Nephila clavipes (Araneidae). Sixteen neurons have been identified that display markedly similar axonal pathways and arborization patterns in all species. These neurons are considered homologues in the opilionid and the araneid brains. We presume that these putative phylogenetically persisting neurons represent part of the general morphological pattern of the arachnid brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Breidbach
- Institut für Angewandte Zoologie, Rheinische-Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität, An der Immenburg 1, Bonn, Germany
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