Abstract
FXPRLamide (pyrokinin) distribution in the central nervous system and major neurohaemal organs of the American cockroach and related cockroach species was investigated using immunocytochemistry and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Six isoforms (Pea-PK-1 through -6) were found in different neurohaemal release sites. Pea-PK-1-4 and Pea-PK-6 are all stored in the retrocerebral complex and are all produced in cells located in both the suboesophageal ganglion (SOG) and the tritocerebrum. These pyrokinins were found to be concentrated in and around the corpora allata. No other known peptides were detectable in such high concentrations in this neurohaemal organ. They reach the corpora cardiaca/allata via the nervi corporis cardiaci-1 (NCC-1), NCC-3, and nervi corporis allati-2 (NCA-2). Abdominal perisympathetic organs contained only Pea-PK-5 and low quantities of the sequence-related Pea-PK-6. Neither Pea-PK-5 nor -PK-6 was detected in thoracic perisympathetic organs. It is likely that the expression of pyrokinins in the central nervous system is tagma (body region)-specific. Pea-PK-6 was identified during this study as follows: Ser-Glu-Ser-Glu-Val-Pro-Gly-Met-Trp-Phe-Gly-Pro-Arg-Leu-NH(2).
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
