Calcitonin-like immunochemical staining in the alimentary tract of Ciona intestinalis L.

Calcitonin-like immunoreactivity has been found with the peroxidase-anti-perioxidase (PAP) method in cells of the epithelium of the alimentary tract as well as in nerve cells and nerve fibers in the connective tissue underlying the epithelium of the alimentary tract of Ciona intestinalis L. The nature of these cells is discussed with reference to endocrine-like cells found in the alimentary tract of other protochordates and to the possible dual role of calcitonin occurring in the gastroenteropancreatic system, on the one hand, and in the nervous system, on the other.