Met-enkephaline-like immunoreactivity in a cephalopod neurohemal organ

Neurosci Lett. 1979 Dec;15(2-3):253-7. doi: 10.1016/0304-3940(79)96122-6.

Abstract

Using a highly specific antibody we found Met-enkephalin-like immunoreactivity in large granules of numerous distinct cells that are embedded in a layer of secretory terminals inside the octopus vena cava. Application of antibodies against fragments of the mammalian pro-opiocortin precursor -- alpha-MSH, ACTH, beta-endorphin and 16k-fragment -- and against growth hormone did not produce immunostaining in the octopus enkephalin cells. The vena cava neuropil may represent a favourable system for the examination of the physiological role of the opioid peptide enkephalin.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Endorphins / metabolism*
  • Enkephalins / metabolism*
  • Immunoenzyme Techniques
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Neurosecretory Systems / metabolism*
  • Neurosecretory Systems / ultrastructure
  • Octopodiformes / metabolism*

Substances

  • Endorphins
  • Enkephalins