The neuropeptide Gonadotropin-releasing hormone modifies the spontaneous muscular contraction in the earthworm: Eisenia foetida

Invert Neurosci. 2011 Dec;11(2):113-6. doi: 10.1007/s10158-011-0120-7. Epub 2011 May 15.

Abstract

We investigated whether the Gonadotropin-releasing hormone affects the spontaneous muscular contraction in the earthworm Eisenia foetida. In addition, we investigated the presence of Gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor in ventral nerve cord by immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone induced a significant increase on both amplitude and muscular tone and decrease in the frequency of spontaneous muscular contraction. We found the presence of immunoreactive material to Gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor in the ventral nerve cord, likewise the Gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor mRNA expression. In conclusion, the Gonadotropin-releasing hormone modifies the spontaneous muscular contraction in E. foetida and these effects can be due to the activation of the Gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone* / metabolism
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Muscle Contraction / physiology*
  • Nerve Net / metabolism
  • Oligochaeta / metabolism
  • Receptors, LHRH* / genetics
  • Receptors, LHRH* / immunology

Substances

  • Receptors, LHRH
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone