NEUROPEPTIDES AND SEROTONIN IN THE CESTODE, PROTEOCEPHALUS-EXIGUUS - AN IMMUNOCYTOCHEMICAL STUDY

Neuropeptide F (NPF), RFamide and serotonin (5-HT) immunoreactivities have been detected in the nervous system of P. exiguus procercoids and adults, using an indirect immunocytochemical technique in conjunction with confocal scanning laser microscopy. The peptidergic nervous syst em of the procercoid is well developed, with two brain ganglia, three pairs of longitudinal nerve cords, transverse ring commissures and ner ves in the suckers, all showing NPF-immunostaining. Strong NPF- and RF -immunostaining was observed in the CNS and PNS of the adult worm. The distribution patterns of the two neuropeptides were similar. Immunore activity for 5-HT was found only in the CNS.