The complex neurochemistry of the cockroach antennal heart

Abstract The innervation of the antennal heart of the cockroach Periplaneta americana was studied with immunocytochemical techniques on both the light and electron microscopic levels. The antennal heart is innervated by two efferent systems, both using one biogenic amine in combination with neuropeptides. In one, we found co-localization of serotonin with proctolin and allatostatin. These fibers most likely originate from paired neurons located in the suboesophageal ganglion. In the second system, we found octopamine co-localized with the short neuropeptide F. The source of this second system is dorsal unpaired median (DUM) neurons, also located in the suboesophageal ganglion. The possible effects of these neuromediators on different targets are discussed.