Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Methods for Studying the Mechanisms of Action of Antipsychotic Drugs in Caenorhabditis elegans
Published on: February 4, 2014
The pharynx of the nematode Ascaris suum: structure and function
D J Brownlee1, L Holden-Dye, R J Walker
1School of Biology and Biochemistry, Medical Biology Centre, Queen's University of Belfast, N. Ireland, U.K.
Nematode pharyngeal pumping, essential for feeding, is influenced by the enteric nervous system (ENS). This study investigates neurotransmitter roles in Ascaris pharyngeal function using in vitro methods.
Area of Science:
- Neurobiology
- Parasitology
- Nematology
Background:
- Nematode feeding relies on pharyngeal pumping, a muscular action.
- The enteric nervous system (ENS) is thought to regulate pharyngeal pumping in nematodes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the enteric nervous system (ENS) in controlling nematode pharyngeal pumping.
- To characterize the distribution of serotoninergic and peptidergic neurons in the Ascaris ENS.
- To examine the effects of neurotransmitters and peptides on Ascaris pharyngeal pumping in vitro.
Main Methods:
- Immunostaining techniques were used to map serotoninergic and peptidergic neurons in the Ascaris ENS.
- A novel in vitro method was developed for pharmacological studies on the Ascaris pharynx.
- The effects of various neurotransmitters and native nematode peptides on pharyngeal pumping were assessed.
Main Results:
- Serotonin (5-HT) and SALMF-amide-like peptides were found to be widespread in the Ascaris ENS.
- Immunostaining for 5-HT was exclusively localized within the ENS.
- Pharmacological studies revealed the influence of specific neurotransmitters and peptides on pharyngeal pumping behavior.
Conclusions:
- The ENS, particularly serotoninergic and peptidergic components, plays a significant role in regulating nematode pharyngeal pumping.
- The developed in vitro system is effective for studying Ascaris pharyngeal pharmacology.
- Neurotransmitters and peptides are key modulators of feeding behavior in Ascaris.
More Related Videos
12:15The C. elegans Intestine As a Model for Intercellular Lumen Morphogenesis and In Vivo Polarized Membrane Biogenesis at the Single-cell Level: Labeling by Antibody Staining, RNAi Loss-of-function Analysis and Imaging
Published on: October 3, 2017
10:30The C. elegans Excretory Canal as a Model for Intracellular Lumen Morphogenesis and In Vivo Polarized Membrane Biogenesis in a Single Cell: labeling by GFP-fusions, RNAi Interaction Screen and Imaging
Published on: October 3, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Nose and Nasal Cavity
Pharynx
Nasopharynx
The nasopharynx, bordered by the conchae of the nasal cavity, serves exclusively as an air conduit. In its superior region, the pharyngeal tonsils or adenoids are located. These tonsils are clusters of lymphoid reticular tissue akin to a lymph node. The precise...
Esophagus
The movement of edibles from the pharynx into the esophagus is facilitated by the upper esophageal sphincter, which is formed primarily by the...
Gross Anatomy of the Stomach
Anatomy of Respiratory System I: Upper Respiratory Tract
Nose and nasal cavity
The nose and nasal cavity represent the main external openings of the respiratory tract.
Fungal Phylum Ascomycota