Immunocytochemical localization of a diuretic hormone of the beetle Tenebrio molitor, Tenmo-DH37, in nervous system and midgut

Although the mealworm Tenebrio molitor inhabits very dry environments, it has at least two diuretic peptides, which increase fluid secretion by the free portions of the Malpighian tubules. Unlike other insect corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-related peptides isolated to date, these are non-amida...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Cell and tissue research 2002-06, Vol.308 (3), p.421
Main Authors: Wiehart, U, Torfs, P, A. Van Lommel, Nicolson, S, Schoofs, L
Format: Article
Language:English
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Although the mealworm Tenebrio molitor inhabits very dry environments, it has at least two diuretic peptides, which increase fluid secretion by the free portions of the Malpighian tubules. Unlike other insect corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-related peptides isolated to date, these are non-amidated peptides. The immunocytochemical localization of Tenmo-DH37 was investigated using antisera raised against this hormone. Immunoreactive neurosecretory cells were found in the brain and abdominal ganglia with immunoreactive processes projecting to the peripheral nervous system. Intense staining of the neurohaemal release site, the corpora cardiaca, was observed. In addition, neurosecretory cells immunoreactive to Tenmo-DH37 were found in the posterior midgut and a network of immunoreactive nerve processes extended over the surface of the midgut. Tenmo-DH37 is widely distributed and its staining pattern resembles that found for other, amidated CRF-related diuretic peptides.
ISSN:0302-766X
1432-0878
DOI:10.1007/s00441-002-0552-9