RHIPIDOCOTYLE CAMPANULA (DIGENEA, BUCEPHALIDAE): MUSCULAR SYSTEM, LOCALIZATION OF SEROTONIN AND NEUROPEPTIDE FMRFamide IN NERVOUS SYSTEM

Abstract

Trematodes of the Bucephalidae family differ from all other trematodes by the number of morphological characteristics including the structure of their attachment organ as well as the digestive and reproductive systems. In this study, the muscular system and nerve components containing serotonin and neuropeptide FMRFamid were investigated in Rhipidocotyle campanula (Bucephalidae family) from the intestine of the pike. Using immunocytochemical methods and confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM), data on the presence and distribution of neurotransmitters serotonin as well as the neuropeptide FMRFamide in the central and peripheral nervous system of Rh. campanula were obtained. When studying the relationship of nerve structures containing the studied neurotransmitters, muscle fibers of the muscle elements of the parasite were stained using the phalloidin associated with the fluorophore. Information on the organization of the muscular system, attachment organ, digestive and reproductive systems is given. The data obtained suggest that serotonergic and FMRF-amidergic nerve structures are involved in the regulation of the function of the attachment organ, as well as the digestive and terminal departments of the eproductive system of Rh. campanula. A comparative analysis of the obtained results and related data available in the literature for other trematodes was carried out.