The GABAergic-like system in the cyprid of Balanus amphitrite (=Amphibalanus amphitrite) (Cirripedia, Crustacea)

Abstract

In the present study, biochemical and immunochemical methods were used to investigate the presence and distribution of GABA, glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), GABA_BR1 and GABA_A γ2 subunit receptors and the vesicular GABA transporter (vGAT) in the cyprid of Balanus amphitrite (=Amphibalanus amphitrite). GAD_65/67 immunoreactive neuron cell bodies and nerve fibers were detected in the central nervous system. Paired GAD_65/67 immunoreactive nerves running from the posterior ganglion to the body and limb muscles were detected. Thin GABA-immunoreactive nerve terminals were present on striated muscular fibers and in the antennules. Furthermore, GABA, GAD_65/67, GABA_BR1 and GABA_Aγ2 subunit receptors and vGAT were observed in the lateral compound eyes, and GABA_Aγ2 subunit receptor immunoreactivity was seen in the naupliar eye. These results suggest a neurotransmitter/neuromodulatory role for GABA in thoracic muscle contraction and regulatory functions in compound eyes and antennules of B. amphitrite cyprids.

Keywords:

• barnacle cyprid
• GABA
• GABA-related molecules
• neuromuscular junctions
• compound eyes

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Lorenzo Gallus

The first two authors contributed equally to this study.