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Immunocytochemical localization of a methionine‐enkephalin‐resembling neuropeptide in the central nervous system of the american cockroach, Periplaneta americana L
Author(s) -
Verhaert Peter,
de Loof Arnold
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
journal of comparative neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.855
H-Index - 209
eISSN - 1096-9861
pISSN - 0021-9967
DOI - 10.1002/cne.902390105
Subject(s) - periplaneta , biology , cockroach , neuropeptide , blattidae , enkephalin , neurotransmitter , immunocytochemistry , american cockroach , antiserum , central nervous system , anatomy , neuroscience , biochemistry , endocrinology , ecology , immunology , antibody , receptor , opioid
Using the peroxidase antiperoxidase immunocytochemical method, we were able to demonstrate within the brain and retrocerebral complex of Periplaneta americana several neuronal structures which were very specifically stained with an anti‐methionine‐enkephalin antiserum. From the precise localization of this immunoreactive material some speculations about its possible functions could be derived, such as a neurotransmitter‐ or neuromodulatorlike function and/or a neurohormonal role. These data present new evidence for the recently developed concept that opiate peptides, identical or related to those found in higher species, occur also in invertebrates.