title: The distribution of neuropeptide Y-like immunoreactivity in the ascidian Styela plicata.
abstract: The occurrence of neuropeptide Y-like substances has been verified in the nervous system and alimentary tract of the ascidian Styela plicata. Neuropeptide Y-like immunoreactivity is present in a few small neurons and in a network of beaded nerve fibres of the cerebral ganglion. Neuropeptide Y-like immunoreactive material can be also localized in the endostyle and in a few cell bodies of the branchial walls. Moreover, immunofluorescent endocrine-like cells of the "open" type occur in the gastric folds. Finally, some possible functions of the ascidian neuropeptide Y are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Istituto di Anatomia Comparata, Università di Genova, Italy.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pestarino
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000737:chemistry; D004064:Digestive System; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D009478:Neuropeptide Y / Q000032:analysis*; D014561:Urochordata / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D009478:Neuropeptide Y