# ANTIBODIES TO NEURAL ANTIGENS IN NEMATODE ASCARIS

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON · 1987 · $103,532

## Abstract

Our aim is to devise immunohistochemical labels for neurons and synapses in
the motornervous system of the large parasitic nematode Ascaris.  We will
generate and use antibodies against synapses and against neurotransmitters
and the enzymes responsible for their synthesis.  Since we have
electrophysiological and anatomical information about many of the neurons
in the motor nervous system, we can correlate the presence of specific
antigens with known physiological activities.  Our objective is to generate
a series of labels so that the function of a neuron can be determined using
histochemical techniques that label the molecules that mediate function.
This will enable us to determine the functional anatomy of the entire
nematode nervous system in the detail that will be required before we can
test our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that the
nervous system uses to process information.

Gaining a basic understanding of the Ascaris nervous system is important
since Ascaris is a model nematode in which to investigate the control of
locomotion in nematodes.  The Ascaris motor nervous system is anatomically
similar to that of other nematodes, so it is reasonable to assume that this
similarity will also apply at the functional level.  By studying the
mechanisms underlying the activity of the neuromuscular system of Ascaris,
general principles applying to other nematodes will be found.  This basic
understanding of the nematode nervous system will make a contribution to
parasite biology, and allow differences in the biology between host and
parasite to be identified as targets for anthelmintic drugs.  In view of
the agricultural impact of nematodes on food supplies, and the problems
they cause as animal and human parasites, especially in tropical and
economically less-developed countries, this is an important health-related
goal.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3129970
- **Project number:** 5R01AI020355-05
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
- **SAM.gov UEI:** LCLSJAGTNZQ7
- **Principal Investigator:** ANTONY O. STRETTON
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1987
- **Award amount:** $103,532
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1983-07-01 → 1989-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3129970

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3129970, ANTIBODIES TO NEURAL ANTIGENS IN NEMATODE ASCARIS (5R01AI020355-05). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3129970. Licensed CC0.

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