The supramedullary cells of the teleost Coris julis (L.): a noradrenergic neuronal system

Abstract

This study, carried out on Coris julis (Labridae), is a contribution to the immunocytochemical characterization of fish supramedullary neurons. The significance of these giant cells has been debated since the beginning of the twentieth century. Our research provides the first evidence for a noradrenergic feature of this neuronal system. The possible role of supramedullary neurons as components of the autonomic nervous system is discussed. Moreover, the present results, taken together with our previous studies, surmise that this the first known case of colocalization of a neuropeptide (gastrin/CCK-like) and noradrenaline in the nervous system of teleosts.