Nervous system dynamics during fragmentation and regeneration in Enchytraeus japonensis (Oligochaeta, Annelida).

Enchytraeus japonensis is a small terrestrial oligochaete which primarily reproduces asexually by fragmentation and regeneration. In order to introduce a molecular approach to the study of regeneration we developed a whole-mount immunostaining procedure for the worm. Using an antibody directed against acetylated tubulin in conjunction with confocal laser-scanning microscopy, we succeeded in clarifying the three- dimensional structure of the entire nervous system in the full-grown worm and its dynamics during the fragmentation and regeneration process.

Fragmenting oligochaete Enchytraeus japonensis: a new material for regeneration study.

Enchytraeus japonensis, a recently described terrestrial oligochaete, reproduces asexually by fragmentation and subsequent regeneration. Taking notice of its high potential as a new material for regeneration study, detailed studies were undertaken on the regeneration and reproduction of E. japonensis.

Exon-intron organization of Xenopus MHC class II beta chain genes.

The amphibian Xenopus laevis is the most primitive vertebrate in which the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) has been defined at the biochemical, functional, and molecular genetic levels. We previously described the isolation and characterization of cDNA clones encoding X. laevis MHC class II beta chains.