Peripheral nerves from rabbit and Torpedo marmorata were comparatively analyzed for the presence of short dystrophin products. Western blot analyses of Torpedo marmorata peripheral nerve extracts revealed the existence of three proteins belonging to the dystrophin family: a M r 400 kDa protein band detected with dystrophin/utrophin, dystrophin-specific and Torpedo utrophin-specific antibodies, a molecule identified as Dp116 and, for the first time at the protein level, a new protein probably corresponding to Up116. All of these products were carefully identified according to the specificities of the monoclonal antibodies used. In immunofluorescence studies, clear staining of the thin rim surrounding each Schwann cell-axon unit was observed in both Torpedo marmorata and rabbit peripheral nerves, showing colocalization of all of these molecules. Their potential functions were discussed in comparison to similar products found in rabbit peripheral nerves.
