Presence and distribution of immunoreactive FMRFamide- and bovine pancreatic polypeptide-like peptides in a protochordate ascidian.

FMRFamide and bovine pancreatic polypeptide (BPP) immunoreactivities were detected in the cerebral ganglion and in the alimentary tract of the protochordate ascidian Styela plicata. Neurons expressing immunostain to FMRFamide were mainly found in the cortical zone of the ganglion and a network of immunoreactive beaded nerve fibers was present in the neuropil. Co-localization of FMRFamide- and BPP-like materials was demonstrated in few nerve cell bodies and both peptides likely play a neurotransmitter role. Parallel, endocrine-like cells containing FMRFamide-like materials were distributed among the esophageal and gastric epithelia, whereas no PP immunostaining was found. The tetrapeptide could be involved in the regulation of the digestive processes by means of endocrine and/or paracrine mechanisms.