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Published on: January 29, 2019
Occurrence and distribution of insulin receptor-like immunoreactivity in molluscan brains
Insights
Insulin receptor-like immunoreactivity (IR) was found in the central nervous system (CNS) of freshwater snails. This suggests that insulin receptors may regulate various functions within the snail CNS.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Molluscan Biology
Background:
- Insulin signaling plays a crucial role in metabolic regulation across diverse species.
- The presence and function of insulin receptors in invertebrates, particularly molluscs, remain largely unexplored.
- Previous studies have indicated the existence of a molluscan insulin peptide (MIP) in certain gastropods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and localization of insulin receptor-like immunoreactivity (IR) in the central ganglia of gastropod molluscs.
- To determine if the distribution of insulin receptors correlates with the known presence of molluscan insulin peptides.
- To explore the potential role of insulin signaling in modulating functions within the gastropod central nervous system.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a monoclonal antiserum against the human placental insulin receptor for immunocytochemical analysis.
- Examined the central ganglia of various gastropod molluscs, focusing on Planorbarius corneus and Lymnaea stagnalis.
- Assessed the distribution and location of insulin receptor-like immunoreactivity within the CNS.
Main Results:
- Insulin receptor-like immunoreactivity was clearly detected in the central nervous system (CNS) of the freshwater snails Planorbarius corneus and Lymnaea stagnalis.
- The distribution of IR was widespread and discrete across different physiologically distinct regions of the ganglia in these species.
- The findings suggest a correlation between the detected IR and the previously identified molluscan insulin peptide (MIP) in these snails.
Conclusions:
- The study provides evidence for the presence of insulin receptor-like molecules in the CNS of gastropod molluscs.
- The observed distribution suggests that these receptors may play a significant role in modulating multiple neuronal functions.
- These findings open avenues for further research into the role of insulin signaling in invertebrate neurobiology and behavior.
Abstract:
Insulin receptor-like immunoreactivity (IR) was investigated in the central ganglia of different gastropod molluscs using a monoclonal antiserum raised against an epitope of the human placental insulin receptor. A well detectable and clear location of immunoreactive material was mainly found in the CNS of the freshwater snails Planorbarius corneus and Lymnaea stagnalis. This evidence correlates quite suggestively with the occurrence in these snails of a molluscan insulin peptide (MIP) previously shown. The widespread and discrete distribution of IR over a variety of physiologically distinct regions of P. corneus and L. stagnalis ganglia argues that these "receptors" may modulate multiple functions within the CNS.
