Localization of substance P-like, leucine-enkephalin-like, methionine-enkephalin-like, and FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity in the eyestalk of the fiddler crab, Uca pugilator

Cell Tissue Res. 1985;241(3):473-7. doi: 10.1007/BF00214565.

Abstract

The occurrence and distribution of substance P (SP)-like, methionine-(Met)- and leucine-(Leu)-enkephalin-like, and FMRFamide-like immunoreactivities were determined in the neuroendocrine complex of the eyestalk of the fiddler crab, Uca pugilator, by immunocytochemistry. SP-like immunoreactivity was found in the optic peduncle, sinus gland, medulla externa, medulla interna, lamina ganglionaris, and retinular cells. Met-enkephalin-like and Leu-enkephalin-like immunoreactivity was observed in most of the retinular cells, optic peduncle, sinus gland, medulla terminalis, and lamina ganglionaris. However, Met-enkephalin-like, but no Leu-enkephalin-like, immunoreactivity was seen in the medulla terminalis X-organ. FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity could be seen in all parts of the eyestalk except in the sinus gland, lamina ganglionaris, and retinular cells. FMRF-amide-like activity was especially strong in the three chiasmatic regions connecting the optic ganglia. The possibility that these four peptides may function as neuroregulators in the fiddler crab is discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brachyura
  • Enkephalin, Leucine / analysis*
  • Enkephalin, Methionine / analysis*
  • Eye / anatomy & histology
  • Eye / cytology*
  • FMRFamide
  • Oligopeptides / analysis*
  • Substance P / analysis*

Substances

  • Oligopeptides
  • Substance P
  • Enkephalin, Methionine
  • Enkephalin, Leucine
  • FMRFamide