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Evolution, immune responses and stress: studies on molluscan cells
E Ottaviani1, E Caselgrandi, P Fontanili
1Department of Animal Biology, University of Modena, Italy.
Acta Biologica Hungarica
|January 1, 1992
Summary
The study found adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and opioid-like molecules in mollusc hemocytes, suggesting these immune cells also mediate stress responses using ancient neuropeptides.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Invertebrate Immunology
- Evolutionary Endocrinology
Background:
- Neuropeptides like ACTH and opioids are crucial in vertebrate stress and immune responses.
- The presence and function of these molecules in invertebrates remain largely unexplored.
- Molluscan hemocytes are key players in innate immunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and function of ACTH and opioid-like molecules in the mollusc Planorbarius corneus.
- To determine the role of these molecules in hemocyte activity, including immune and stress responses.
Main Methods:
- Immunoassays to detect ACTH and opioid-like molecules in hemocytes and serum.
- In vitro experiments to assess the effects of ACTH and beta-endorphin on hemocyte chemotaxis and phagocytosis.
- Analysis of biogenic amine release from hemocytes stimulated with ACTH and CRF.
Main Results:
- ACTH and opioid-like molecules were identified in the hemocytes and serum of Planorbarius corneus.
- ACTH and beta-endorphin demonstrated chemotactic activity on hemocytes; ACTH enhanced phagocytosis.
- ACTH and CRF induced biogenic amine release from hemocytes, indicating a proto-stress response.
Conclusions:
- Molluscan hemocytes possess ACTH and opioid-like molecules, suggesting conserved functions across evolution.
- These neuropeptides mediate both immune (chemotaxis, phagocytosis) and proto-stress responses in hemocytes.
- This highlights the ancient evolutionary origins of neuro-immune interactions.