Eur J Anat, 2 (3): 141-146 (1998)

Galanin-like immunoreactivity in the nervous system of Oligochaeta

D. Reglodi¹, A. Lubics¹, M. Szelier¹, L. Balaspiri² and I. Lengvári¹

1.- Departament of Anatomy, University Medical School, Pécs. Hungary2.- Departament of physiology, Szantgyörgyi Albert Medical University,Szeged, Hungary

ABSTRACT The distribution of galanin-like immunoreactivity in the nervous system of an annelid worm, Eisenia fetida, was studied by means of immunohistochemistry. The cerebral ganglion contains 1445 inmunoreactive cells groups. The number of immunopositive cells in the subesophageal and ventral cord ganglia varies between 1 and 5. Inmmunostained fibers have been found in the stomatogastric ganglia and the wall of the gastointestinal tract. The subepithelial and the muscular walls of the enteric system contain numerous stained cells, but no epithelial cells display inmunoreactivity. Immunopositivity has also been observed in the epidermal sensory cells with a random distribution. Some cells in all ganglia show immunoreativity using both serotonin and gastrin antisera.

Keywords: Galanin - Immunohistochemistry - Earthworm