Meeting Abstract

P1.128  Sunday, Jan. 4  Histological and SCP-like Neuropeptide Investigations in the Larval Oyster Crassostrea virginica ELLIS, I.R.**; KEMPF, S.C.; Auburn University, Alabama; Auburn University, Alabama ellisir@auburn.edu

The Eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica is an important species within estuarine ecosystems where populations have recently become compromised. In addition, oyster aquaculture has become a rapidly growing industry. To facilitate restoration and aid in aquaculture practices, it is important to understand neural morphology and how it affects larval behaviors. Although a few immunohistochemical studies have been conducted, the literature pertaining to bivalve larval central nervous systems still lacks a detailed histological analysis. Also, there has been no documentation to date of the location and possible function of small cardioactive peptides (SCPs), a common neuropeptide in molluscan larvae. This study provides a histological analysis and insight pertaining to the development of the larval central nervous system of C. virginica. Larvae at the D-hinge, umbo, and pediveliger life stages were purchased from the Dauphin Island oyster hatchery. Each larval stage was either 1) fixed and embedded in Epon 812 plastic, and then sectioned using an ultramictome for histological analysis, or 2) fixed and then immunohistochemically labeled to visualize SCP-like neuropeptides using a laser-scanning, confocal microscope. Progressive development of the central nervous system of C. virginica, along with investigations of the presence and location of SCP-like neuropeptides were examined.