Neuropeptide diversity in Ascaris: An immunocytochemical study

Abstract

An immunocytochemical method was used for localization of various peptide-like substances in the Ascaris nervous system. Out of 45 antipeptide antisera, 12 demonstrated immunoreactivity in different subsets of neurons; these 12 antisera were raised against luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH), Aplysia peptide L11 (L11), Aplysia peptide 12_B (12_B), small cardioactive peptide B (SCP_B), neuropeptide Y (NPY), FMRFamide, gastrin-17, cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8), α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (_α;MSH), calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP), corticotropin releasing factor (CRF), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). Several peptide-like substances were colocalized to the same neuron. Our results suggest that Ascaris, like other organisms, contains multiple peptidergic systems.