Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
2
pubmed:dateCreated
1996-12-20
pubmed:abstractText
We characterized a subset of leech sensory afferents, the photoreceptors, in terms of their molecular composition, anatomical distribution, and candidate postsynaptic partners. For reagents, we used an antiserum generated against purified LL35, a 35 kD leech lactose-binding protein (galectin); monoclonal antibody (mAb) Lan3-2, which is specific for a mannose-containing epitope common to the full set of sensory afferents; and dye injections. Photoreceptors differ from other types of sensory afferents by their abundant expression of galectin. However, photoreceptors share in common with other sensory modalities the mannose-containing epitope recognized by mAb Lan3-2. Photoreceptors from a given segment project their axons directly into the CNS ganglion innervating the same segment. They assemble in a target region, the optic neuropil, which is separate from the target regions of other sensory modalities. They also extend their axons as an optic tract into the connective to innervate optic neuropils of other CNS ganglia, thereby providing extensive intersegmental innervation for the 33 CNS ganglia comprising the leech nerve cord. Because of its intimate contact with the optic neuropil, a central neuron, the AP effector cell, is a strong candidate second order visual neuron. In confocal images, the AP cell projects its primary axon for about 100 microns alongside the optic neuropil. In electron micrographs, spines emanating from the axon of the AP cell make contact with vesicle laden nerve terminals of photoreceptors. Leech photoreceptors and their second order visual neurons represent a simple visual system for studying the mechanisms of axonal targeting.
pubmed:grant
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Jul
pubmed:issn
0021-9967
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:day
22
pubmed:volume
371
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
235-48
pubmed:dateRevised
2008-11-21
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
1996
pubmed:articleTitle
Leech photoreceptors project their galectin-containing processes into the optic neuropils where they contact AP cells.
pubmed:affiliation
Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824, USA.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.