Mercuric chloride-induced gastrin/cholecystokinin 8 immunoreactivity in the central nervous system of the terrestrial slug Semperula maculata: an immunohistochemical study.

We measured the immunoreactivity of the neuropeptide gastrin cholecystokinin 8 (gastrin/CCK 8) in neurons of the terrestrial slug Semperula maculata following acute treatment with mercuric chloride (HgCl2). The distribution of gastrin/CCK 8 was analyzed in neurons of different regions, specifically from cerebral ganglia (procerebrum (pro-c), mesocerebrum (meso-c) and metacerebrum (meta-c). In the control group, neurons of pedal, pleural, parietal and visceral ganglia showed positive immunoreactivity using vertebrate antiserum against gastrin/CCK 8.

Neurohistochemistry in molluscan species: focus on extracellular matrix.

Carbohydrate polymers with acid-base properties of extracellular matrix (ECM) have a critical impact on guidance, migration and synaptic transmission. The present study showed acid-base properties of ECM stained with histochemical techniques. The central nervous system (CNS) of mature terrestrial slug Semperula maculata and freshwater bivalve Lamellidens corrianus was selected to visualize sulphated and carboxylic strong acid groups.