FMRF-NH2-like factor from neurohaemal organ modulates neuromuscular transmission in the locust

Non-synaptic ion channels in insects--basic properties of currents and their modulation in neurons and skeletal muscles

Insects are favoured objects for studying information processing in restricted neuronal networks, e.g. motor pattern generation or sensory perception. The analysis of the underlying processes requires knowledge of the electrical properties of the cells involved. These properties are determined by the expression pattern of ionic channels and by the regulation of their function, e.g. by neuromodulators. We here review the presently available knowledge on insect non-synaptic ion channels and ionic currents in neurons and skeletal muscles. The first part of this article covers genetic and structural informations, the localization of channels, their electrophysiological and pharmacological properties, and known effects of second messengers and modulators such as neuropeptides or biogenic amines. In a second part we describe in detail modulation of ionic currents in three particularly well investigated preparations, i.e. Drosophila photoreceptor, cockroach DUM (dorsal unpaired median) neuron and locust jumping muscle. Ion channel structures are almost exclusively known for the fruitfly Drosophila, and most of the information on their function has also been obtained in this animal, mainly based on mutational analysis and investigation of heterologously expressed channels. Now the entire genome of Drosophila has been sequenced, it seems almost completely known which types of channel genes--and how many of them--exist in this animal. There is much knowledge of the various types of channels formed by 6-transmembrane--spanning segments (6TM channels) including those where four 6TM domains are joined within one large protein (e.g. classical Na+ channel). In comparison, two TM channels and 4TM (or tandem) channels so far have hardly been explored. There are, however, various well characterized ionic conductances, e.g. for Ca2+, Cl- or K+, in other insect preparations for which the channels are not yet known. In some of the larger insects, i.e. bee, cockroach, locust and moth, rather detailed information has been established on the role of ionic currents in certain physiological or behavioural contexts. On the whole, however, knowledge of non-synaptic ion channels in such insects is still fragmentary. Modulation of ion currents usually involves activation of more or less elaborate signal transduction cascades. The three detailed examples for modulation presented in the second part indicate, amongst other things, that one type of modulator usually leads to concerted changes of several ion currents and that the effects of different modulators in one type of cell may overlap. Modulators participate in the adaptive changes of the various cells responsible for different physiological or behavioural states. Further study of their effects on the single cell level should help to understand how small sets of cells cooperate in order to produce the appropriate output.

Newly discovered functions for some myotropic neuropeptides in locusts

The field of neuropeptide research in insects during the past twenty years can be characterized by the enormous number of peptides that have been identified. In the locusts, Locusta migratoria and Schistocerca gregaria only, structural information is now available for more than 60 peptides. Quite a number of these peptides were isolated on the basis of their effect on visceral muscle contraction in vitro. A very limited number of reports describe the 'in vivo' function of a myotropic neuropeptide. Moreover, for most of the brain neuropeptides, we ignore whether they have a hormonal function. In this paper, we describe the recently discovered in vivo effects of some of the myotropic peptides, identified in locusts in the past decade. Schistocerca-neuropeptide F accelerates egg development; locustasulfakinin inhibits food intake and [His(7)]-corazonin induces body color pigmentation.

FMRFamide neuropeptides and neuropeptide-associated enzymes in Drosophila

To review the histochemistry of neuropeptide transmitters system in insects, this chapter focuses on the biology of FMRFamide-related neuropeptides in Drosophila. dFMRFamide expression is limited to a small number of neurons that present a complex spatial pattern and whose functions appear heterogeneous. The neuropeptide is first expressed by a few neurons in late stage embryos, then dynamically in as many as 44 neurons in the larval CNS. This review describes histochemical procedures to evaluate this neuronal phenotype and its regulation, including descriptions of promoter activity, and RNA and peptide distributions. To evaluate the use of peptidergic transmitters on a broad scale, I also review experiments in Drosophila studying enzymes necessary for neuropeptide biosynthesis, and in particular, histochemical studies of an enzyme responsible for peptide alpha-amidation.

Colocalisation of taurine- with transmitter-immunoreactivities in the nervous system of the migratory locust

The expression of taurine immunoreactivity (TAU-IR) by neurones immunoreactive for octopamine (OA-IR), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA-IR), and the C-terminal peptide sequence arginine-phenylalanine (RFamide-IR) was investigated in the migratory locust (Locusta migratoria). TAU-IR is colocalised with OA-IR in the dorsal unpaired median neurones, which are efferent neuroparacrine cells. TAU-IR is not, however, expressed by OA-IR interneurones in the thoracic ganglia and brain. The only other TAU-IR somata found with peripheral axons are the medial neurosecretory cells in abdominal ganglia that project to the neurohaemal organs. These cells exhibit RFamide-IR. The majority of TAU-IR somata in the thoracic abdominal nervous system exhibit GABA-IR. These cells correspond to populations of identified local and intersegmentally projecting inhibitory interneurones. TAU-IR is not, however, exhibited by the well-known GABAergic common inhibitor neurones, which have peripherally projecting axons. This differential distribution of TAU-IR in basically two, functionally different, neuronal subsets (efferent neurosecretory and neuroparacrine cells, inhibitory interneurones) conforms with the concept of taurine acing as a depressive agent to limit excitation during stressful conditions.

Resting membrane properties of locust muscle and their modulation I. Actions of the neuropeptides YGGFMRFamide and proctolin

The resting K+ conductance (GK,r) of locust jumping muscle and its modulation by two neuropeptides, proctolin (Arg-Tyr-Leu-Pro-Thr) and YGGFMRFamide (Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-NH2), were investigated using the two-electrode voltage clamp. At a physiological [K+]o of 10 mM, GK,r accounts for approximately 90% of the membrane resting conductance, and the resting membrane potential differs by </=1 mV from EK (mean: -74 mV). There is a K+ conductance that slowly activates on hyperpolarization (GK,H) and that seems to be largely located in the transverse tubules. Steady-state activation of GK,H was analyzed by tail current measurements. GK,H is activated partially at EK but accounts for probably </=50% of total resting K+ conductance. Raising [K+]o caused a large increase in GK,r and in maximal steady state GK,H without shifting the voltage sensitivity of GK,H. YGGFMRFamide and proctolin reduce GK,H, mainly affecting the maximal steady-state conductance. The voltage-insensitive component of the resting K+ conductance is also reduced. The conductance suppressed by the peptides exhibited an outwardly rectifying instantaneous current/voltage-characteristic that is quite similar to that of GK,H. The actions of the two peptides appeared to be identical, but proctolin was by some two orders of magnitude more potent than YGGFMRFamide. The effects of both peptides are mediated by G proteins. They are mimicked by phorbol esters but do not seem to be initiated by either branch of the phospholipase C-dependent intracellular pathways. The properties of the resting K+ conductance in locust muscle and other invertebrate muscles are compared. The biological significance of peptide-induced reduction in resting K+ conductance is discussed in view of the known property of proctolin to support tonic force as opposed to FMRFamide-peptides that support quick leg movements.

Resting membrane properties of locust muscle and their modulation II. Actions of the biogenic amine octopamine

Ionic currents in the resting membrane of locust jumping muscle and their modulation by the biogenic amine octopamine were investigated using the two-electrode voltage clamp. A Cl- conductance, GCl,H, which slowly activates on hyperpolarization, can be induced by raising the intracellular Cl- concentration via diffusion of Cl- ions from the recording electrode. The instantaneous I-V characteristic of the current, ICl,H, is linear and reverses at the same potential as the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-mediated Cl- current. Elevation of [Cl-]i increases the maximal steady state GCl,H (Gmax) and shifts the activation curve of GCl,H to more positive potentials. Octopamine enhances GCl,H, mainly by increasing Gmax. Octopamine also lowers the resting K+ conductance (GK,r). It reduces a hyperpolarization-activated component (GK,H) of GK,r, mainly by decreasing Gmax. Octopamine also transiently stimulates the Na+/K+ pump although this effect was not always seen. The effects of octopamine on the Cl- and K+ conductances are mimicked by membrane permeant cyclic nucleotides. The modulation of GK,r, but not that of GCl,H, seems to be mediated by protein kinase A (PKA). PKA seems to be constitutively activated as indicated by the pronounced increase in GK,r induced by a PKA inhibitor, H89. The properties of GCl,H and related Cl- conductances in invertebrate and vertebrate neurons are compared. GCl,H probably supports efflux of Cl- ions accumulating in the fibers during synaptic inhibition. Octopamine's multiple modulation at the level of the muscle cell membrane, in conjunction with previously established effects on synaptic transmission and excitation-contraction coupling, are suited to support strong and rapid muscle contractions.

Peptidergic control of the corpus cardiacum-corpora allata complex of locusts

The brain-corpora cardiaca-corpora allata complex of insects is the physiological equivalent of the brain-hypophysis axis of vertebrates. In locusts there is only one corpus cardiacum as a result of fusion, while most other insect species have a pair of such glands. Like the pituitary of vertebrates, the corpus cardiacum consists of a glandular lobe and a neurohemal lobe. The glandular lobe synthesizes and releases adipokinetic hormones. In the neurohemal part many peptide hormones, which are produced in neurosecretory cells in the brain, are released into the hemolymph. The corpora allata, which have no counterpart in vertebrates, synthesize and release juvenile hormones. The control of the locust corpus cardiacum-corpora allata complex appears to be very complex. Numerous brain factors have been reported to have an effect on biosynthesis and release of juvenile hormone or adipokinetic hormone. Many neuropeptides are present in nerves projecting from the brain into the corpora cardiaca-corpora allata complex, the most important ones being neuroparsins, ovary maturating parsin, insulin-related peptide, diuretic peptide, tachykinins, FLRFamides, FXPRLamides, accessory gland myotropin I, crustacean cardioactive peptide, and schistostatins. In this paper, the cellular distribution, posttranslational processing, peptide-receptor interaction, and inactivation of these peptides are reviewed. In addition, the signal transduction pathways in the release of adipokinetic hormone and juvenile hormone from, respectively, the corpora cardiaca and corpora allata are discussed.

Potassium channels of adult locust (Schistocerca gregaria) muscle

Two types of K+ channels have been identified in patches of plasma membrane of metathoracic extensor tibiae muscle fibres of adult locust, Schistocerca gregaria. One channel had a maximum conductance of 170 pS, fast open-closed kinetics, and a linear current/ voltage relationship. In inside-out patches it was activated by "internally applied" Ca2+, but at unexpectedly low levels (between 10(-10) and 10(-9)M). The other channel had a maximum conductance of 35 pS, slower open-closed kinetics, and was not activated by Ca2+. In cell-attached patches, its channel conductance measured in symmetrical salines was about three times greater for hyperpolarisations than for depolarisations. This inward rectification was proved to be due to block by intracellular Mg2+. For both channels, open probability (Po) and mean open time increased during depolarisations and decreased during hyperpolarisations, resulting in outward rectifications in terms of net current (I n, product of the single-channel current and Po). For both channels, the K+ conductance was 10 times greater than that for Na+. Internally applied tetraethylammonium or tetramethylammonium ions blocked both channels.

Immunohistochemical localization of FMRFamide-containing neurons and nerve fibers in the ganglia and the gonad wall of the scallop, Pecten maximus (L)

The Phe-Met-Arg-Phe NH2 (FMRFamide)-like immunoreactivity was detected in neurons of the cerebro-pedal and visceral ganglia of the scallop Pecten maximus using immunohistochemical techniques. FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity was also found in nerve fibers localized in the connective tissue and the epithelial wall of the gonad. Electron microscopy study carried out on the gonads indicates the existence of numerous nerve fibers crossing the connective tissue; nerve terminals apposed to highly secretory cells were seen in the gonad wall. All in all, the present immunohistochemical and electron microscopic data suggest that FMRFamide might play an unusual secretagogue role in the gonad wall.

The myotropic peptides of Locusta migratoria: structures, distribution, functions and receptors

The search for myotropic peptide molecules in the brain, corpora cardiaca, corpora allata suboesophageal ganglion complex of Locusta migratoria using a heterologous bioassay (the isolated hindgut of the cockroach, Leucophaea maderae) has been very rewarding. It has lead to the discovery of 21 novel biologically active neuropeptides. Six of the identified Locusta peptides show sequence homologies to vertebrate neuropeptides, such as gastrin/cholecystokinin and tachykinins. Some peptides, especially the ones belonging to the FXPRL amide family display pleiotropic effects. Many more myotropic peptides remain to be isolated and sequenced. Locusta migratoria has G-protein coupled receptors, which show homology to known mammalian receptors for amine and peptide neurotransmitters and/or hormones. Myotropic peptides are a diverse and widely distributed group of regulatory molecules in the animal kingdom. They are found in neuroendocrine systems of all animal groups investigated and can be recognized as important neurotransmitters and neuromodulators in the animal nervous system. Insects seem to make use of a large variety of peptides as neurotransmitters/neuromodulators in the central nervous system, in addition to the aminergic neurotransmitters. Furthermore quite a few of the myotropic peptides seem to have a function in peripheral neuromuscular synapses. The era in which insects were considered to be "lower animals" with a simple neuroendocrine system is definitely over. Neural tissues of insects contain a large number of biologically active peptides and these peptides may provide the specificity and complexity of intercellular communications in the nervous system.

An immunocytochemical study of the FMRFamide neuropeptide gene products in Drosophila

We have mapped protein expression of the FMRFamide neuropeptide gene in Drosophila with polyclonal antisera against three small peptides whose sequences were derived from the Drosophila proFMRFamide precursor. One antiserum was affinity-purified and extensively characterized. The enriched antibodies labeled 15-21 bilaterally symmetric pairs of neurons in a pattern that corresponded very closely to the pattern of in situ hybridization that was determined previously (Schneider et al. [1991] J. Comp. Neurol. 304:608-622; O'Brien et al. [1991] J. Comp. Neurol. 304:623-638). The other antisera produced complementary results. These findings suggest that the antisera specifically label cells that express the FMRFamide gene. In larvae we consistently observed strong staining in identified interneurons and neuroendocrine cells, and moderate to weak staining in neurons of unknown function. The adult pattern of expression included both larval neurons whose immunoreactivity persisted through metamorphosis and adult-specific neurons. During metamorphosis, we observed transient staining in a small number of neurons and in specific neuropil regions that included the central body, the protocerebral bridge, and the optic ganglia. Based on these morphological features, we suggest that the FMRFamide-like neuropeptides in Drosophila play a number of functional roles, perhaps affecting both physiological and developmental phenomena. Such roles include general modulation throughout all post-embryonic stages, via the blood, and also more stage- and region-specific modulation within the CNS.

FMRFamide-like activity in the female locust during vitellogenesis

The control of oviposition in the locust involves the expulsion of eggs from the lateral oviducts, a process believed to be under neurohormonal control. In this paper we have attempted to identify this putative hormone. Immunohistochemical staining of the brain retrocerebral complex and suboesophageal ganglion of Locusta migratoria with antiserum against FMRFamide revealed a number of FMRFamide-immunopositive cells. FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity was present in median neurosecretory cells and lateral neurosecretory cells of the protocerebrum. Other FMRFamide-immunoreactive cells were detected in the deutocerebrum and tritocerebrum. Immunoreactive cell processes were observed in the mushroom bodies, the central body, the optic lobes, and in the axon tracts leaving the pars intercerebralis and tritocerebrum. FMRFamide-like material was also seen in the circumoesophageal commissures. Further FMRFamide-like material was present in cell bodies of the suboesophageal ganglion. FMRFamide-like staining activity changed dramatically during the oviposition cycle in mature adult females. The median neurosecretory cells stained lightly immediately after oviposition and remained pale until the third day, when staining of perikarya and axon tracts increased. The staining intensity decreased on days 4 and 5. The titre of FMRFamide-like material in the hemolymph increased during the vitellogenic cycle but plummeted after oviposition. A single band of FMRFamide-like material was evident on immunoblot following sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of adult female hemolymph. The approximate molecular weight of this molecule was 8,000. Gel permeation chromatography of hemolymph revealed a FMRFamide-immunoreactive fraction with a molecular weight of 8,000. This fraction possessed myotropic activity when applied to the locust oviduct.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

In situ hybridization analysis of the FMRFamide neuropeptide gene in Drosophila. I. Restricted expression in embryonic and larval stages

We have used in situ hybridization techniques to describe the cellular distribution of transcripts from a Drosophila gene that encodes multiple FMRFamide-related neuropeptides. The Drosophila FMRFamide gene consists of two exons and is expressed predominantly as a approximately 1.7 kb RNA throughout postembryonic stages (Nambu et al., '88; Schneider and Taghert, '88, '90). We used exon-specific oligonucleotide probes to assay transcription in both embryonic and larval stages and found a pattern of hybridization signals that was restricted to the central nervous system and, within that tissue, was cell-specific. The pattern included 36 distinct signals distributed throughout both the brain and segmental nerve cord (ventral ganglion). These observations suggest that the cell-specific pattern of FMRFamide-like neuropeptide expression in the Drosophila CNS (White et al., '86; Taghert and Schneider, '90) is due to the restricted expression of specific gene transcripts. The results also indicate that, with few exceptions, all previously identified FMRFamide-immunoreactive neurons in Drosophila larvae express FMRFamide gene transcripts. The 36 hybridization regions of the CNS could be divided into three categories, based on their signal intensities (strong, moderate, and weak). The differences in intensity were reproducible and suggest that steady-state levels of specific neuropeptide RNA differ among individual neurons. The two exon-specific probes produced patterns that were indistinguishable both in pattern and in intensity. This result supports the previous conclusion that the one detectable FMRFamide transcript contains both exons (Schneider and Taghert, '90). A single identifiable signal was detected during embryogenesis (beginning at stage 16), but the mature complement of signals was not fully established until the final larval stages.

Peptide-immunocytochemistry of neurosecretory cells in the brain and retrocerebral complex of the sphinx moth Manduca sexta

Antisera against a variety of vertebrate and invertebrate neuropeptides were used to map cerebral neurosecretory cells in the sphinx moth Manduca sexta. Intense immunoreactive staining of distinct populations of neurosecretory cells was obtained with antisera against locust adipokinetic hormone, bovine pancreatic polypeptide, FMRFamide, molluscan small cardioactive peptide (SCPB), leucine-enkephalin, gastrin/cholecystokinin, and crustacean beta-pigment dispersing hormone (beta PDH). Other antisera revealed moderate to weak staining. Each type of neurosecretory cell is immunoreactive with at least one of the antisera tested, and most of these neurons can be identified anatomically. The staining patterns provide additional information on the organization of cerebral neurosecretory cells in M. sexta. Based upon anatomical and immunocytochemical characteristics, 11 types of neurosecretory cells have been recognized in the brain, one type in the suboesophageal ganglion, and one in the corpus cardiacum. Extensive colocalization experiments show that many neurosecretory cells are immunoreactive with several different antisera. This raises the possibility that these cells may release mixtures of neuropeptides into the hemolymph, as has been demonstrated in certain other systems. The immunocytochemical data should be helpful in efforts to identify additional peptide neurohormones released from the brain of this and other insects.

A new peptide in the FMRFamide family isolated from the CNS of the hawkmoth, Manduca sexta

We have purified a FMRFamide-like peptide from extracts of brain-subesophageal ganglion of the moth, Manduca sexta. The purification was monitored with a new, competitive ELISA, and accomplished with ion exchange and reverse-phase HPLC. The peptide structure was determined by a combination of tandem mass spectrometry and automated Edman degradation. The amino acid sequence of the peptide is less than Glu-Asp-Val-Val-His-Ser-Phe-Leu-Arg-Phe-amide (pEDVVHSFLRF-NH2). In a separate purification, an identical peptide was isolated from extracts of brain-associated neurohemal structures. We have named this peptide ManducaFLRFamide, to indicate its homology with other members of the "FMRFamide" family. In bioassays, chemically synthesized peptide increased the force of neurally evoked contractions in the major power-producing flight muscles, the dorsal longitudinal muscles. This observation suggests that hormonally released ManducaFLRFamide may play a role in sustaining or promoting the flight behavior necessary for mate-seeking (in males) or oviposition (in females) in sphingid moths.

Pericardial peptides enhance synaptic transmission and tension in phasic extensor muscles of crayfish

Two identified peptides, which are structurally related to FMRF-NH2 and are known to be associated with lobster pericardial organs, increase nerve-evoked tension and excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) recorded from crayfish deep abdominal extensor muscles. At low stimulus frequencies, which produce marked depression of muscle twitches with successive stimuli, the peptides quickly and reversibly restore tension. Increased quantal content of transmitter release, rather than changes in postsynaptic input resistance, accounted for most of the increase in EPSP amplitude. The results support earlier suggestions that these two peptides may act as circulating neurohormones and provide the first evidence for peptidergic modulation of a phasic neuromuscular system in a crustacean.

Distribution of FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity in the brain and suboesophageal ganglion of the sphinx moth Manduca sexta and colocalization with SCPB-, BPP-, and GABA-like immunoreactivity

Using an antiserum against the tetrapeptide FMRFamide, we have studied the distribution of FMRFamide-like substances in the brain and suboesophageal ganglion of the sphinx moth Manduca sexta. More than 2000 neurons per hemisphere exhibit FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity. Most of these cells reside within the optic lobe. Particular types of FMRFamide-immunoreactive neurons can be identified. Among these are neurosecretory cells, putatively centrifugal neurons of the optic lobe, local interneurons of the antennal lobe, mushroom-body Kenyon cells, and small-field neurons of the central complex. In the suboesophageal ganglion, groups of ventral midline neurons exhibit FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity. Some of these cells have axons in the maxillary nerves and apparently give rise to FMRFamide-immunoreactive terminals in the sheath of the suboesophageal ganglion and the maxillary nerves. In local interneurons of the antennal lobe and a particular group of protocerebral neurons, FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity is colocalized with GABA-like immunoreactivity. This suggests that FMRFamide-like peptides may be cotransmitters of these putatively GABAergic interneurons. All FMRFamide-immunoreactive neurons are, furthermore, immunoreactive with an antiserum against bovine pancreatic polypeptide, and the vast majority is also immunoreactive with an antibody against the molluscan small cardioactive peptide SCPB. Therefore, it is possible that more than one peptide is localized within many FMRFamide-immunoreactive neurons. The results suggest that FMRFamide-related peptides are widespread within the nervous system of M. sexta and might function as neurohormones and neurotransmitters in a variety of neuronal cell types.

Characterization and partial purification of different factors with contraction-potentiating activities from neurohaemal organs of the locust

Phe-Met-Arg-Phe (FMRF-NH2) and structurally related peptides enhance neuromuscular transmission and contraction of the M. extensor tibiae preparations of the locusts Locusta migratoria and Schistocerca gregaria (Walther et al.: Neurosci. Lett. 45:99-104, '84). Similar effects could also be obtained with extracts of locust ganglia (Walther and Schiebe: Neurosci. Lett. 77:209-214, '87). By using two HPLC systems, we have partially purified extracts of the unpaired median nerves (including their neurohaemal organs) of different locust ganglia. The biological activity of the extracts served as an estimate for the degree of purification. Six different bioactive fractions were identified migrating at and close to retention times of known -RFamide peptides with similar bioactivity. No fraction coeluted with authentic FMRF-NH2 or FLRF-NH2. We demonstrate that extensor tibiae muscle contractions were potentiated by HPLC fractions from raw material with -RF-NH2 immunoreactivity, but also by HPLC fractions from raw material without such immunoreactivity.

FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity in the brain of the honeybee (Apis mellifera). A light-and electron microscopical study

Peptide-FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity in the brain and suboesophageal ganglion of the honeybee Apis mellifera L. is demonstrated with the peroxidase-antiperoxidase technique. Immunoreactivity is found in about 120 perikarya of the brain and in about 30 of the suboesophageal ganglion. These cells are distributed in 13 paired clusters representing neurons of different types including neurosecretory neurons projecting to neurohemal organs. Immunoreactivity of different intensity is found in the non-glomerular neuropil around the mushroom bodies, in the lateral protocerebrum, the central body, the optic tubercles, the lobula and medulla of optic lobe, the ocellar neuropil, in multiglomerular elements of the antennal lobes and in the dorsal deuterocerebrum. In the mushroom bodies, immunoreactivity is located in layers of the lobes and stalks, corresponding to intrinsic fibre bundles of some Kenyon cell types. The somata of these intrinsic cells did not show FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity. Electron microscopy of immunostained somata and nerve fibres was performed employing a pre-embedding peroxidase-antiperoxidase technique. Fibres of optic lobes and the non-glomerular neuropil contain immunoreactive dense core vesicles (diameter 50-165 nm) accumulated in boutons besides small synaptic vesicles and synaptic membrane specializations. Immunoreactive layers of the mushroom body neuropil were analysed at the ultrastructural level. Axon profiles with dense-core vesicles of a small type (diameter 35-75 nm) show only faint immunoreactive products. Immunoreactivity of intrinsic mushroom body neurons does not appear to be specifically correlated with synaptic organelles. Our results indicate that FMRFamide or related peptides peptides may be neuroactive compounds in different classes of nerve cells in the bee brain.

Supraspinal FMRFamide antagonizes morphine-induced horizontal, but not vertical, locomotor activity

Morphine and the molluscan neuropeptide Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-NH2 (FMRFamide) were administered to mice alone or in combination intracerebroventricularly (ICV) and the effect on locomotor activity was measured. Morphine given alone (0.5 micrograms) significantly increased horizontal locomotor activity compared to vehicle-treated controls. FMRFamide at low doses (0.01-10 micrograms) had no effect of its own, but blocked the morphine-induced increase in horizontal locomotor activity. Unlike the opiate antagonist naloxone (1.0 micrograms), FMRFamide (up to 10 micrograms) had no effect on morphine-induced decrease in vertical activity. These data further support a role for FMRFamide as a modulator of opiate action, but comparison to naloxone suggests that FMRFamide might not act as a pure competitive antagonist of this opiate effect.

Development of the enteric nervous system in the moth. I. Diversity of cell types and the embryonic expression of FMRFamide-related neuropeptides

The enteric nervous system (ENS) of the larval moth Manduca sexta consists of two small ganglia and several nerve networks that lie superficially along the alimentary tract. Within this system are approximately 600 neurons that exhibit a spectrum of biochemical and morphological characteristics and that express these features in a definable sequence during development. The accessibility of both the neural and nonneural components of the moth ENS throughout embryogenesis makes it a potentially useful model in which to examine the developmental regulation of transmitter phenotype. In this paper, we have focused on the differentiation of the enteric plexus (EP) cells, a heterogeneous population of enteric neurons that are distributed across the foregut-midgut boundary. Unlike many neurons of the CNS in insects, the cells of the enteric plexus are not uniquely identifiable. While the total number of EP cells is constant, their locations vary significantly from animal to animal. However, several distinct classes of neurons can be identified within this population on the basis of morphology and transmitter phenotype, including one class that contains substances related to the molluscan peptide Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-amide (FMRFamide). Expression of this FMRFamide-like material within the enteric plexus is position-specific, occurring only in neurons on the midgut and not in those on the foregut. FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity first appears in approximately one-third of these cells at 65% of development; this pattern is retained without apparent modification throughout subsequent embryonic and postembryonic development. In the following paper, we describe the sequence of stereotyped cell migration that precedes the expression of this peptidergic phenotype and that underlies the formation of the enteric plexus during embryogenesis.

The action of FMRFamide (Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-NH2) and related peptides on mammals

First purified 11 years ago from clam ganglia, FMRFamide (Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-NH2) was quickly demonstrated to be cardioactive in several molluscan species. Subsequent discovery that FMRFamide, or FMRFamide-related peptides (FaRPs), were present in mammalian central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract prompted investigations into the effect of FMRFamide on mammals. FMRFamide has now been shown to be cardioexcitatory in mammals, to inhibit morphine-induced antinociception, and to block morphine-, defeat-, and deprivation-induced feeding. It also inhibits colonic propulsive motility, induces behavioral effects when administered intrathecally, and has been reported to have amnesic effects in rodents. A proposal has arisen that a FMRFamide-like substance is an endogenous opioid antagonist and has stimulated a search for such a substance. However, FMRFamide has only weak affinity for opioid receptors and not all the actions of FMRFamide appear to be explained by actions at opioid receptors. Alternative mechanisms have been proposed which suggest that FMRFamide acts as a neuromodulator.

Isolation and characterization of a Drosophila gene that encodes multiple neuropeptides related to Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-NH2 (FMRFamide)

A Drosophila gene that encodes neuropeptides related to molluscan Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-NH2 (FMRFamide) was isolated by screening a genomic library with a fragment of an Aplysia Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-NH2 cDNA and with synthetic oligonucleotides. This gene was used to isolate a cDNA from a Drosophila adult head cDNA library. The cDNA was defined by sequence analysis to encode 13 peptides that have Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-NH2 or related sequences at their carboxyl termini. Other putative neuropeptides, including one that has homology to mammalian corticotropin-releasing factor, are present in the deduced approximately equal to 39-kDa precursor. Southern blot analysis suggested the presence of a single Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-NH2-like gene within the haploid genome. RNA blot analysis indicated the expression of at least two transcripts of approximately equal to 1.7 and approximately equal to 0.7 kilobases. Both transcripts are evident throughout larval, pupal, and adult developmental stages. In situ hybridization was used to localize this neuropeptide gene to band 46C on the right arm of the 2nd chromosome. These data provide the basis for utilizing the advanced genetics and molecular techniques of Drosophila to address complex aspects of neuropeptide expression and function.