The presence of APGWamide in Octopus vulgaris: a possible role in the reproductive behavior

The concerted action of many neuropeptides has been implicated in the nervous control of specific behaviors in many molluscs. In the present study, the presence of amidated tetrapeptide Ala-Pro-Gly-Trp-NH2, (APGWamide) in those lobes that are involved in the control of reproductive behavior in Octopus vulgaris has been investigated. APGWamide immunoreactivity was mainly confined to the posterior olfactory lobule and in the inferior frontal system. These areas are involved in Octopus in the processing of either chemotactile sense or olfaction. From these lobes, immunoreactive fibers reached other lobes of the central nervous system (CNS) which could be indirectly involved in the reproductive behavior. APGWamide immunoreactivity was also present in the glandular cells of the oviducal gland in the female reproductive system. These results constitute the first detailed immunolocalization of APGWamide in cephalopods and open a new insight into the possible effects that both distant and close chemical stimuli can exert on neuropeptidergic circuitries, which may affect the reproductive behavior of cephalopods. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.