PMID: 8986871Jan 6, 1997Paper

Immunocytochemical evidence for the involvement of an FMRFamide-related peptide in egg production in the flatworm parasite Polystoma nearcticum

The Journal of Comparative Neurology
E P ArmstrongC Shaw

Abstract

The monogenean flatworm Polystoma nearcticum exhibits reproductive synchrony with its treefrog host, Hyla versicolor, and becomes reproductively active only during the short period of host sexual activity at spawning. In this way, it provides a useful model system for exploring factors that may influence egg production in flatworm parasites. One such factor is the peptidergic innervation of the egg chamber or ootype. By using immunocytochemical techniques, the occurrence and distribution of GYIRFamide-like immunoreactivity, an authentic flatworm FMRFamide-related peptide (FaRP), have been monitored in the cells and fibres innervating the reproductive apparatus of worms collected at different stages of host sexual activity. Serotonin (5-HT) immunoreactivity in the worm was mapped for comparison. Extensive immunostaining for the FaRP and 5-HT was obtained throughout both the central and the peripheral nervous systems of worms, which were recovered from reproductively active frogs. In contrast, the innervation of the ootype of worms that were determined to be sexually inactive, including those recovered from frogs postspawning, showed little or no immunoreactivity for the FaRP; immunostaining for 5-HT in the ootype was unaffected ...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Anthelmintics

Anthelmintics or antihelminthics are a group of antiparasitic drugs that expel parasitic worms (helminths) and other internal parasites from the body by either stunning or killing them and without causing significant damage to the host. Discover the latest research on anthelmintics here.

Anthelmintics (ASM)

Anthelmintics or antihelminthics are a group of antiparasitic drugs that expel parasitic worms (helminths) and other internal parasites from the body by either stunning or killing them and without causing significant damage to the host. Discover the latest research on anthelmintics here.