Localization of somatostatin-, substance P- and calcitonin-like immunoreactivity in the neural ganglion of Ciona intestinalis L. (Ascidiaceae).

Indirect immunofluorescence studies using antisera to synthetic somatostatin, human calcitonin and substance P indicate, in the neural complex of the sea-squirt, Ciona intestinalis L., that these polypeptides are present in large perikarya situated at the periphery of the cerebral ganglion as well as in some smaller perikarya in the medulla. In the medullary and transitional zone, there are nerve fibres that cross-react positively with anti-calcitonin and anti-substance P.