Characterisation of neurons in the pedal ganglia of the green-lipped mussel, Perna canaliculus, using antibodies raised against neuropeptides and neurotransmitters involved in gastropod egg-laying behaviour and bivalve reproduction and spawning

To characterise central neurons in the pedal ganglia of both male and female green lipped mussel, Perna canaliculus immunohistochemical techniques were used. Mollusc antibodies were used against neuropeptides and neurotansmitters known to control reproduction and spawning. Anti-ELH and anti-APGWamide showed very strong immunoreactivity in small type of neurons. Anti-5-HT and anti-DA immunoreactivity was mostly in large type of neurons. The labelled neurons are consistent with descriptions of neurosecretory cells implicated in the control of reproduction and spawning on the basis of earlier histological staining techniques used in this species. The use of selective immunological markers for peptides and amines appears to be a, promising tool for further characterisation of neurosecretory cells, and to isolate an'tl characterise neuropeptides and other biologically active materials involved in the control of reproduction in Perna canaliculus.