I. Benedetti

Survey of neuropeptide-like immunoreactivity in supramedullary neurons of Coris julis (L.)

The supramedullary neurons of the marine teleost Coris julis (L.) were surveyed for neuropeptide-like immunoreactivity using antisera against 12 peptides. These neurons exhibit positive immunoreactivity to CCK-8, CCK-39 and gastrin(18-34). The presence of gastrin/CCK-like peptides in the supramedullary neurons is discussed.

Neuroanatomical and immunohistochemical studies on the dorsal neurons in the spinal cord of Trigla lucerna L. and Scorpaena porcus L. (Scorpaeniformes)

Peculiar dorsal neurons present in the dorsal spinal cord of Trigla lucerna L. and Scorpaena porcus L. were investigated by neuroanatomical and immunohistochemical methods. These neurons were previously defined as commissural cells, but have now been identified as supramedullary neurons. The following fundamental criteria for identifying the supramedullary neurons of Teleosts are proposed: a) dorsomedial location in the spinal cord; b) large size of the soma and axon; c) immunoreactivity to gastrin/CCK-like peptides.

Morphogenesis of the gut in the nauplius stages of the parasitic copepod Lernaea cyprinacea

Abstract The morphogenesis of the gut during nauplius stages of Lernaea cyprinacea was reported to occur, without apparent morphogenetic movements, by a non‐simultaneous and spatially determined differentiation of the various regions. A developing foregut was first seen at the nauplius‐II stage, immediately after moult; on the other hand, the midgut did riot appear until the moult to nauplius III. Gut development initially involved some cells containing refractive granules in their cytoplasm. At the nauplius‐III stage, strongly Pyronin‐positive cells without granules appeared among those with granules. Subsequently, the mouth parts and the hindgut were formed. Only in the late nauplius III and early copepodid‐I stages did all parts fuse into a continuous digestive tube. The finding that the entire gut apparatus develops during the naupliar life was taken to suggest that this stage is part of the embryonic development of L. cyprinacea.

Preliminary findings on the development of the parasitic copepod Lernaea cyprinacea L. from cleavage to hatching

Abstract We report preliminary findings on the development of Lernaea cyprinacea from cleavage to hatching. The eggs are centrolecithal with superficial cleavage. Nucleoli were found in the nuclei of the perilecithal syncytium. Gastrulation occurs by in situ aggregation of cells, without evident morphogenetic movements.