Intracellular Immunohistochemical Detection of XXXX in Pleurobranchaea maculata (Gastropoda) and Stylochoplana sp. (Turbellaria).

@entity1022 @entity4524
UNASSIGNED: @entity1022 ( @entity4524 ), is a potent neurotoxin targeting sodium channels that has been identified in multiple marine and terrestrial organisms. It was recently detected in the Opisthobranch Pleurobranchaea maculata and a Platyhelminthes Stylochoplana sp. from New Zealand. Knowledge on the distribution of @entity4524 within these organisms is important to assist in elucidating the origin and ecological role of this toxin. Intracellular micro-distribution of @entity4524 was investigated using a monoclonal antibody-based immunoenzymatic technique. @entity1022 was strongly localized in neutral mucin cells and the basement membrane of the mantle, the oocytes and follicles of the gonad tissue, and in the digestive tissue of P. maculata. The ova and pharynx were the only two structures to contain @entity4524 in Stylochoplana sp. Using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, @entity4524 was identified in the larvae and eggs, but not the gelatinous egg cases of P. maculata. @entity1022 was present in egg masses of Stylochoplana sp. These data suggest that @entity4524 has a defensive function in adult P. maculata, who then invest this in their progeny for protection. Localization in the digestive tissue of P. maculata potentially indicates a dietary source of @entity4524 . Stylochoplana sp. may use @entity4524 in prey capture and for the protection of offspring.
