Neuropeptide tyrosine (NPY) and its C-terminal flanking peptide (C-PON) in the developing and adult spinal cord of a reptile.

The developmental pattern and the adult distribution of neuropeptide tyrosine (NPY) and its C-terminal flanking peptide (C-PON) were investigated in the spinal cord of the lizard Gallotia galloti. Embryonic, postnatal and adult animals were studied by means of the immunohistochemical technique. Neurons containing both peptide immunoreactivities first appeared at the embryonic Stages 37/38. Immunoreactive perikarya were more numerous in the embryonic than in either the postnatal or the adult spinal cord. Fibres immunoreactive for both antisera appeared around the time of hatching, being numerous and widespread in the adult spinal cord. NPY- and C-PON-like-containing neurons and fibres in the adult spinal cord of Gallotia galloti were related to sensory, autonomic and motor areas.