Localization of FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity in the larval midgut of the fly, Sarcophaga bullata

Abstract

1. Distribution of FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity was examined in the larval gut of the fly Sarcophaga bullata. 2. Peroxidase-antiperoxidase and indirect immunofluorescent methods revealed immunoreactivity in the proventriculus and parts of the anterior midgut. 3. The outer wall of the proventriculus was innervated by 12–16 FLI neurons of hypocerebral ganglion. 4. In the anterior midgut, FLI cells were randomly distributed between the muscle fibers and among the columnar epithelial cells of the midgut. 5. The organization, distribution pattern and the association of FLI cells with midgut epithelium suggest that FMRFamide-like peptides may regulate feeding and peristalsis in this insect.