Localization and distribution of catecholaminergic structures in the nervous system of Phocanema decipiens (nematoda)

Abstract

The nervous system of Phocanema decipiens was examined with both the formaldeyhyde-induced and the glyoxylic acid fluorescence histochemical techniques. Green catecholaminergic structures were observed in 4 cephalic papillary nerves, 2 fibres with varicosities in the nerve ring as well as the ventral nerve cord and a pair of lateral nerves. The papillary nerves, extending from the nerve ring to the lips region, have cell bodies which are located anterior or adjacent to the nerve ring. Cell bodies of the lateral nerves are found within the lateral cord tissue posterior to the nerve ring. Each of these neurons has 3 processes—one joins with the nerve ring, the other merges with the ventral nerve cord and the third ends abruptly within the lateral cord.