Localization of immunoreactive neuropeptides in the kidney of the bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, by immunofluorescence.

Indirect double immunofluorescence labelling for demonstrating nine neuropeptides in the kidney of the bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, revealed for the first time the occurrence, distribution, and coexistence of certain neuropeptides in the kidney of the submammalian vertebrates. Substance P, neuropeptide Y, and calcitonin gene-related peptide were localized in nerve fibers distributed along the afferent arterioles connected with the glomeruli, and along the capillary network between uriniferous tubules. Neuropeptide Y and calcitonin gene-related peptide immunoreactive fibers were more numerous than substance P immunoreactive fibers. In these two regions, about one half of the neuropeptide Y or calcitonin gene-related peptide fibers contained substance P. No immunoreactivity of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, somatostatin, FMRFamide, or leucine- and methionine-enkephalins was detected in the bullfrog kidney.