Calcitonin-like cells in the pharynx of the ascidian Styela clava.
A small group of granulated endocrine cells have been described in the endostylar region of the pharynx in Styela. These cells are argyrophilic and exhibit calcitonin-like immunofluorescence. Tests with antisera to other peptides all proved negative. Cells from animals exposed to elevated calcium levels showed a degree od degranulation. The possibility that these cells may represent ancestral ultimobranchial "C" cells is discussed.
D000818:Animals; D002116:Calcitonin / Q000378:metabolism*; D002118:Calcium / Q000494:pharmacology; D003594:Cytoplasmic Granules / Q000187:drug effects; D004702:Endocrine Glands / Q000166:cytology; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D010614:Pharynx / Q000166:cytology; D014561:Urochordata / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology
D002116:Calcitonin; D002118:Calcium