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Evidence for the presence of thyroid stimulating hormone, thyroglobulin and their receptors in Eisenia fetida: a multilevel hormonal interface between the nervous system and the peripheral tissues

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Abstract

The present study describes the localization and distribution of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroglobulin (TGB) and their receptors in Eisenia fetida (Annelida, Oligochaeta) as revealed by immunohistological methods. Immunopositive neuronal and non-neuronal cells are present in both the central nervous system and some peripheral organs (e.g. foregut and coelomocytes). TSH- and TGB-immunopositive neurons in the various ganglia of the central nervous system are differentailly distributed. Most of the immunoreactive cells are found in the suboesophageal ganglion. The stained cells also differ in their shapes (round, oval, pear-shaped) and sizes (small, 12–25 μm; medium, 20–35 μm; large, 30–50 μm). In all ganglia of the central nervous system, TSH-positive neurons additionally show gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) immunopositivity. Non-neuronal cells also take part in hormone secretion and transport. Elongated TSH-positive cells have been detected in the capsule of the central ganglia and bear granules or vacuoles in areas lacking neurons. Many of capillaries show immunoreactivity for all four tested antibodies in the entire central nervous system and foregut. Among the coelomocytes, granulocytes and eleocytes stain for TSH and its receptor and for TGB but not for thyroid hormone receptor. Most of the granulocytes are large (25–50 μm) but a population of small cells (10–25 μm) are also immunoreactive. None of the coelomocytes stain for GABA. We therefore suggest that the members of this hormone system can modify both metabolism and immune functions in Eisenia. Coelomocytes might be able to secrete, transport and eliminate hormones in this system.

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Abbreviations

c:

capsule

cc:

circumpharyngeal connectives

CG:

cerebral ganglion

dl:

dorsolateral cell group

dm:

dorsomedial cell group

gcc:

neurons at the origin of circumpharyngeal connectives

l:

lateral cell group

N:

nucleus

np:

neuropile

oe:

oesophagus

ph:

pharynx

SOG:

suboesophageal ganglion

VG:

ventral ganglion

vl:

ventrolateral cell group

vm:

ventromedial cell group

I., II., III.:

segmental nerves

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Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to Edit Kiss for technical assistance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Pécs, Ifjúság u. 6, 7601, Pécs, Hungary

    Márta Wilhelm

  2. MTA-PTE Adaptation Biology Research Group, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary

    Anna Koza

  3. Faculty of Medicine, Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary

    Péter Engelmann & Péter Németh

  4. Department of General Zoology and Neurobiology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary

    Mária Csoknya

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  1. Márta Wilhelm
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  2. Anna Koza
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  3. Péter Engelmann
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  4. Péter Németh
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  5. Mária Csoknya
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Correspondence to Márta Wilhelm.

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This work was supported by the MTA-PTE Adaptation Biology Research Group and National Research and Developmental Fund (NKP 1/048/2001). M.W. is in receipt of a János Bolyai Scholarship.

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Wilhelm, M., Koza, A., Engelmann, P. et al. Evidence for the presence of thyroid stimulating hormone, thyroglobulin and their receptors in Eisenia fetida: a multilevel hormonal interface between the nervous system and the peripheral tissues. Cell Tissue Res 324, 535–546 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00441-005-0039-6

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