Localization of melanotropin-like peptides in the central nervous system of two insect species, the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria, and the fleshfly, Sarcophaga bullata

By use of well characterized antisera in the peroxidase-antiperoxidase method, we were able to demonstrate alpha MSH and beta MSH immunoreactive cells and nerve fibres within the nervous system of adults and larvae of Locusta migratoria and 3-, 5- and 8-day-old adult Sarcophaga bullata. In neither o...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Cell and tissue research 1987-04, Vol.248 (1), p.25-31
Main Authors: SCHOOFS, L, JEGOU, S, VAUDRY, H, VERHAERT, P, DE LOOF, A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aminoacids, peptides. Hormones. Neuropeptides
Analytical, structural and metabolic biochemistry
Animals
Biological and medical sciences
Diptera - anatomy & histology
Diptera - cytology
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Grasshoppers - anatomy & histology
Grasshoppers - cytology
Immune Sera
Immunoenzyme Techniques
Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones - analysis
Nervous System - cytology
Proteins
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Summary:By use of well characterized antisera in the peroxidase-antiperoxidase method, we were able to demonstrate alpha MSH and beta MSH immunoreactive cells and nerve fibres within the nervous system of adults and larvae of Locusta migratoria and 3-, 5- and 8-day-old adult Sarcophaga bullata. In neither of these insect species, any immunoreaction was obtained with a gamma 3MSH-antiserum. Double immunohistochemical stainings revealed that alpha MSH-like and beta MSH-like substances are located in different cells. These cells show no immunoreactivity to a number of antisera against other POMC-derivatives (anti-beta lipotropin, anti beta endorphin, anti-ACTH1-24); thus they appear to contain alpha MSH- or beta MSH-like material in a specific way. The function of the immunologically detected peptides remains to be demonstrated. The distribution of the immunoreactive material suggests that, like in amphibians and other lower vertebrates, the synthesis or release of melanotropins might be under the influence of external stimuli. The present observations support the recently developed concept that even some of the smallest neuropeptides, the melanotropins, have been highly conserved during a long period of evolution.
ISSN:0302-766X
1432-0878
DOI:10.1007/BF01239958