To determine where NO-producing neurons in larval Tritia might be located, Keow Thavaradhara Essig – MS degree 2000 conducted immunocytochemistry on competent and pre-competent larvae. Her results indicated that most neurons of the apical ganglion display NOS-like immunoreactivity (NOS-IR), meaning that they most likely contain authentic nNOS and thus produce NO. During larval development, the number of NOS-IR neurons increases. The micrograph (Below) shows the head of a competent larva with NOS-immunoreactive neurons. (Thavaradhara and Leise, 2001). Supported in part by NSF grant IBN-9604516.
Above: NOS-like immunoreactivity is expressed in neurons of the apical ganglion in the brain of a competent larva
