Immunocytochemical localization of hydroxyindole-o-methyltransferase (HIOMT) in the brain of Myoisophagos lacteus (Nemertea: Heteronemertea: Lineidae).
J Exp Zool
; 290(2): 156-62, 2001 Jul 01.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-11471145
ABSTRACT
In an attempt to identify the brain structures that synthesize melatonin and that probably mediate the photoperiodic response of the heteronemertean Myoisophagos lacteus, we utilized immunocytochemical techniques and employed immunoglobulins directed against hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase (HIOMT, EC 2.1.1.4). This enzyme catalyzes the last step of melatonin biosynthesis. In immunocytochemically treated head sections of Myoisophagos lacteus, antibodies labelled a few cells in the dorsal region of the dorsal cerebral ganglia. Previous studies have shown that melatonin is present both in the brain and eyes of this nemertean species and that melatonin is involved in control of the worm reproduction. Other studies have demonstrated the presence of photoreceptor-like cells in the same region of the worm brain that showed HIOMT immunostaining. Therefore, anatomical findings of the present study, coupled with results of previous works, provide strong evidence that this region of the worm brain houses a photoperiodic receptor involved in melatonin biosynthesis. J. Exp. Zool. 290156-162, 2001.
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Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Acetilserotonina O-Metiltransferasa
/
Invertebrados
Tipo de estudo:
Prognostic_studies
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Exp Zool
Ano de publicação:
2001
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
França