FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity in the stomatogastric nervous system innervating the gut of the fly, Sarcophaga bullata

Abstract

1. Distribution of FMRFamide-like peptide activity was examined in the stomatogastric nervous system of the adult fly, Sarcophaga bullata by the indirect immunofluorescent method. 2. The neurons of the hypocerebral ganglion exhibit intense immunoreactivity and extend a thick axon bundle ventrally towards the proventriculus and crop. 3. Near the mouth of the stomodeal valve a dense network of radial and circular immunoreactive processes branch off and innervate the proventriculus. 4. Beyond the proventriculus, the crop duct and anterior midgut wall are also innervated by the FMRFamide-like immunoreactive processes of the nerve from the hypocerebral ganglion. 5. From the pattern of innervation of the gut by FMRFamide-like immunoreactive processes it is suggested that this neuropeptide may regulate feeding activities in the adult fly.