GALANIN IMMUNOREACTIVITY AND I-125 GALANIN BINDING-SITES IN THE BLOWFLY BRAIN

We have used immunocytochemical, immunochemical (RIA) and chromatograp hic methods (HPLC, gel filtration) to provide evidence for presence of GAL-like peptide(s) in the blowfly Phormia terraenovae. HPLC indicate s the presence of several forms of GAL-like peptides. Immunocytochemis try showed that there are about 160 GAL-IR neurons in the brain and su besophageal ganglia supplying the central body superior protocerebrum, the optic lobe and tritocerebral neuropil. Autoradiography of binding with I-125-labelled porcine GAL on brain sections revealed GAL bindin g sites in the central body complex and deutocerebrum. The presence of galanin-like peptide(s) and putative receptor sites in the fly brain suggest a role in neuromodulation in specific circuits.