NEUROPEPTIDE DIVERSITY IN ASCARIS - AN IMMUNOCYTOCHEMICAL STUDY

An immunocytochemical method was used for localization of various peptide‐like substances in the Ascaris nervous system. Out of 45 antipeptide antisera, 12 demonstrated immunoreactivity in different subsets of neurons; these 12 antisera were raised against luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone (LHRH), Aplysia peptide L11 (L11), Aplysia peptide 12B (12B), small cardioactive peptide B (SCPB), neuropeptide Y (NPY), FMRFamide, gastrin‐17, cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK‐8), α‐melanocyte stimulating hormone (α;MSH), calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP), corticotropin releasing factor (CRF), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). Several peptide‐like substances were colocalized to the same neuron. Our results suggest that Ascaris, like other organisms, contains multiple peptidergic systems. Copyright © 1990 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.