EVIDENCE FOR ANGIOTENSIN-LIKE MOLECULES IN THE CENTRAL-NERVOUS-SYSTEM OF THE LEECH THEROMYZON-TESSULATUM (OFM) - A POSSIBLE DIURETIC EFFECT

1. Cells in the central nervous system of the leech Theromyzon tessulatum were revealed with an antiserum against angiotensin II. Among these cells, a group of 4-5 pairs of neurons, called beta-giant cells, and located in the posterior compartments of the supraesophageal ganglion was particularly investigated. 2. The amount of angiotensin II-like substance(s) in the brain increased notably in the days immediately following the third meal. 3. Injections of angiotensin II, fragments 1-4 or 5-8 of angiotensin II and of angiotensin III into stage 3 leeches showed that fragment 5-8 of angiotensin II was the most effective: it provokes a loss of mass of the leeches, which could express a diuretic effect.