Localization of soluble guanylyl cyclase alpha-subunit in identified insect neurons

The distribution of soluble guanylyl cyclase in the brain of the locust Schistocerca gregaria was analysed using antisera to a highly conserved region (X-peptide) of the Drosophila soluble guanylyl cyclase alpha-subunit (SGCalpha). Analysis of locust brain and locust eye homogenates in Western blots using X-peptide antisera revealed specific staining of a approximately 65 kDa band, which is similar to the expected molecular mass for a SGCalpha-subunit. SGCalpha-immunoreactivity was localized in identified neuronal components of several sensory systems including photoreceptors of the compound eyes and ocelli, large ocellar interneurons, antennal mechanosensory neurons and olfactory interneurons. These neurons are putative targets for the gas nitric oxide which activates guanylyl cyclase activity in the locust brain.