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GDNF family ligand immunoreactivity in the gut of teleostean fish

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Abstract

Glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin (NRTN), persephin (PSPN), and artemin (ARTN) are a group of proteins belonging to the GDNF family ligands (GFLs). GDNF, NRTN, and ARTN support the survival of central, peripheral, and autonomic neuron populations, while PSPN supports the survival of only several central neuron populations. A common receptor, RET, modulates the action of this family and a co-receptor, GFRα, determines RET ligand specificity. GDNF and NRTN appear to be essential for enteric nervous system (ENS) development in mammals, zebrafish, and other teleostean species. GFLs are also essential for the maintenance and plasticity of adult mammalian ENS. In this study, the distribution pattern of GFLs in the intestine of five adult fish (bass, gilt-head, scorpionfish, trout, and zebrafish) was evaluated by immunochemical and immunocytochemical analysis. The results demonstrated the presence of GDNF, NRTN, and ARTN in the gut of all species studied. They appeared to be spread in the ENS and/or endocrine cells of the intestine. These findings suggest that the presence of GFLs in fish gut is not only limited to developmental period, but could be also involved in the enteric physiology of adult species.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Mrs Annamaria Zollo for her skilful technical assistance. This study was supported by a grant from Università di Napoli Federico II, Polo delle Scienze e Tecnologie per la Vita, Napoli, Italy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dipartimento di Strutture, Funzioni e Tecnologie Biologiche, Via Veterinaria 1, 80137 , Napoli, Italy

    C. Lucini, L. Maruccio, S. Tafuri, M. Bevaqua, N. Staiano & L. Castaldo

  2. Dipartimento di Biochimica e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy

    N. Staiano

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  1. C. Lucini
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  2. L. Maruccio
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  3. S. Tafuri
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  6. L. Castaldo
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Correspondence to C. Lucini.

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Lucini, C., Maruccio, L., Tafuri, S. et al. GDNF family ligand immunoreactivity in the gut of teleostean fish. Anat Embryol 210, 265–274 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00429-005-0046-0

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