Journal of Neuroscience, Vol 5, 2301-2309, Copyright © 1985 by Society for Neuroscience
FMRF-amide-like substances in the leech. I. Immunocytochemical localization
JR Kuhlman, C Li and RL Calabrese
FMRF-amide-like immunoreactivity (FLI) was localized to approximately 50
neurons in each segmental ganglion of the medicinal leech using
immunocytochemical techniques. Although most of these neurons were iterated
in each segmental ganglion, some were more restricted in their segmental
distribution. The head and tail ganglia likewise contained numerous
FMRF-amide-like immunoreactive cells. In addition to cell bodies, many
nerve processes and varicosities were also immunoreactive throughout the
ganglion. All labeling of FLI was blocked by preabsorption of the
anti-FMRF-amide antiserum with synthetic FMRF- amide. Using a combination
of Lucifer Yellow cellular injection and indirect immunofluorescence
techniques, we identified several of the neurons possessing FLI. Identified
neurons included excitatory motor neurons (HE, RPE, LPE, AE, and L), the HA
modulatory neuron, interneuron cell 204, and cells of unknown function
(AP). The processes of HE motor neurons and HA modulatory neurons which
innervate the heart tubes were also immunoreactive. These results indicate
a role for FMRF- amide-like substances as neurochemical signals in the
leech.