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

Abstract

Neurons immunoreactive to small cardiac peptide B (SCPb) occur in the scolex and neck region of adultDiphyllobothrium dendriticum. The localisation of the SCPb-IR neurons in the peripheral nervous system is very pronounced; they are closely associated to the bothridial musculature in the scolex. SCPb-IR neurons were not observed in plerocercoid larvae but appeared after cultivation in vitro at 37°C for 30 h. Functional and developmental aspects of the SCPb-IR neurons are discussed.