DISTRIBUTION OF NADPH-DIAPHORASE IN THE PERIOESOPHAGEAL GANGLIA OF THE SNAIL, HELIX-ASPERSA

In this paper we discuss the anatomical localization of NADPH-diaphora se using Nitroblule tetrazolium in perioesophageal ganglia of Helix as persa. Our results show that the reaction is present in neurons and fi bers of the procerebrum, some positive neurons are found in mesocerebr um, and there were positive fibers in the neuropile of postcerebrum an d mesocerebrum; likewise, immunopositive fibers were found in the neur opile of pedal, pleural and parietal ganglia. The presence of NADPH-di aphorase in the interneurons of procerebrum suggests the participation of this enzyme in the production of nitric oxide for the processing o f the olfactory information, as has been suggested in mammalian olfact ory tissue.