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Immunocytochemical Localization of Glucagon‐Related Peptides in the Cerebral Ganglion of the Protochordate Ascidian, Styela plicata
Author(s) -
Pestarino Mario
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
journal of neuroendocrinology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.062
H-Index - 116
eISSN - 1365-2826
pISSN - 0953-8194
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2826.1990.tb00459.x
Subject(s) - medicine , endocrinology , glucagon , immunocytochemistry , dopamine , chemistry , biology , hormone
The central nervous system of the protochordate ascidian Styela plicata has been investigated by means of immunocytochemical techniques in order to localize peptides of the glucagon/secretin family. In particular, glucagon‐ and peptide histidine isoleucine‐containing neurons were localized in the cortex of the cerebral ganglion, and numerous nerve cell bodies containing vasoactive intestinal polypeptide occurred mainly in the medullary zone. Moreover, coexistence of glucagon/peptide histidine isoleucine and glucagon/vasoactive intestinal polypeptide was detected in a few cortical neurons. The localization of peptide histidine isoleucine‐like peptides in the central nervous system and alimentary tract supports the occurrence of a ‘brain‐gut axis’ in protochordates as well as in vertebrates and some invertebrates, while glucagon‐ and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide‐like substances can be considered exclusively as neuropeptides.