Galanin-Containing Nerve Nets in Hydra (Hydra japonica) and Freshwater Medusa (Craspedacusta sowerbyi)
Year: 2000
Type: article
Abstract: Immunohistochemical analyses were performed to determine the distribution of galanin-like immunoreactivity in the hydra (Hydra japonica) and freshwater medusa (Craspedacusta sowerbyi). In the hydra, galanin-immunoreactive (Gal-IR) fibers were restricted in the tentacle and basal disk. Although Gal-IR somata were obscure, swollen parts were seen along the course of Gal-IR fibers. In the medusa, galanin-like immunoreactivity was restricted to the subumbrella. Bipolar and multipolar Gal-IR somata and fibers formed a circular nerve net in the subumbrella and Gal-IR fibers projected to the lateral edge of the subumbrella from this Gal-IR circular nerve net. The presence of galanin-like immunoreactivity in these most primitive animals with a nervous system suggested that galanin is an one of the phylogenetically oldest neuropeptides in addition to other neuropeptides such as FMRF amide and substance P.
DOI: 10.18924/00000312
Authors: Toshiharu Yamamoto, Hirohumi Suzuki
Language: English
Subfield: Animal Science and Zoology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W596866994