First detection of TPep (Tritonia Pedal Peptide) in the nervous system of the fissiparous starfish Allostichaster capensis

T. RUBILAR; A. F. SCHINDER; C. T. PASTOR-DE-WARD; M. I. BROGGER

Tampa, Florida, USA

Conferencia; North American Echinoderm Conference 2008; 2008

University of Florida

The nervous system of the fissiparous starfish Allostichaster capensis was subject to immunocytochemical investigation using antisera raised against the gastropod neuropeptide Tritonia Pedal Ganglia (TPep). This peptide has been found in motoneurons as well in neurons located in the pedal ganglia of the gastropod Tritonia diomedea and it appears to be involved in motor functions. In the starfish, immunoreactivity was detected in the hyponeural, ectoneural systems and the innervations of the tube feet. In the hyponeural system the label is observed in numerous and group cells bodies in the radial nerve cord as well and the circumoral ring. In the ectoneural systems the TPep immunoreactivity is observed in isolated neurons as well as in the neuropil, where a strong staining can be observed in the axon section.