The overall aim of this project is to identify cell specific molecular markers in neurons of Ascaris, especially the small molecules that are involved in intercellular signalling. In the past we have concentrated on the classical chemical transmitters involved in synaptic transmission. We are now most interested in the role of neuropeptides both in synaptic transmission and in non- synaptic intercellular signalling. In the present grant period we will concentrate on obtaining the sequences of endogenous bioactive Ascaris peptides, so that they can be synthesized in large enough quantities to permit electrophysiological experiments on their action on the neuromuscular system of Ascaris. Gaining a basic understanding of the Ascaris nervous system is important since Ascaris is a model nematode in which to investigate the control of locomotion in nematodes. The Ascaris motor nervous system is anatomically similar to that of other nematodes, so it is reasonable to assume that this similarity will also apply at the functional level. By studying the mechanisms underlying the activity of the neuromuscular system of Ascaris. and the role of neuropeptides in controlling this activity, general principles applying to other nematodes will be found. This basic understanding of the nematode nervous system will make a contribution to parasite biology, and allow differences in the biology between host and parasite to be identified as targets for anthelmintic drugs. In view of the agricultural impact o? nematodes on food supplies, and the problems they cause as animal and human parasites, especially in tropic and economically less- developed countries, this is an important health-related goal.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01AI020355-09
Application #
3129973
Study Section
Tropical Medicine and Parasitology Study Section (TMP)
Project Start
1983-07-01
Project End
1994-06-30
Budget Start
1991-07-01
Budget End
1992-06-30
Support Year
9
Fiscal Year
1991
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Wisconsin Madison
Department
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
161202122
City
Madison
State
WI
Country
United States
Zip Code
53715
Sithigorngul, Paisarn; Jarecki, Jessica L; Stretton, Antony O W (2011) A specific antibody to neuropeptide AF1 (KNEFIRFamide) recognizes a small subset of neurons in Ascaris suum: differences from Caenorhabditis elegans. J Comp Neurol 519:1546-61
Nanda, Jennifer Cho; Stretton, Antony O W (2010) In situ hybridization of neuropeptide-encoding transcripts afp-1, afp-3, and afp-4 in neurons of the nematode Ascaris suum. J Comp Neurol 518:896-910
Reinitz, C A; Herfel, H G; Messinger, L A et al. (2000) Changes in locomotory behavior and cAMP produced in Ascaris suum by neuropeptides from Ascaris suum or Caenorhabditis elegans. Mol Biochem Parasitol 111:185-97
Davis, R E (1998) Action of excitatory amino acids on hypodermis and the motornervous system of Ascaris suum: pharmacological evidence for a glutamate transporter. Parasitology 116 ( Pt 5):487-500
Davis, R E (1998) Neurophysiology of glutamatergic signalling and anthelmintic action in Ascaris suum: pharmacological evidence for a kainate receptor. Parasitology 116 ( Pt 5):471-86
Edison, A S; Messinger, L A; Stretton, A O (1997) afp-1: a gene encoding multiple transcripts of a new class of FMRFamide-like neuropeptides in the nematode Ascaris suum. Peptides 18:929-35
Sithigorngul, P; Cowden, C; Stretton, A O (1996) Heterogeneity of cholecystokinin/gastrin-like immunoreactivity in the nervous system of the nematode Ascaris suum. J Comp Neurol 370:427-42
Cowden, C; Sithigorngul, P; Brackley, P et al. (1993) Localization and differential expression of FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity in the nematode Ascaris suum. J Comp Neurol 333:455-68
Guastella, J; Johnson, C D; Stretton, A O (1991) GABA-immunoreactive neurons in the nematode Ascaris. J Comp Neurol 307:584-97
Guastella, J; Stretton, A O (1991) Distribution of 3H-GABA uptake sites in the nematode Ascaris. J Comp Neurol 307:598-608

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