A pituitary-like role of the neural gland of an ascidian.
The neural gland of the ascidian Styela plicata has been investigated by means of the indirect immunofluorescence method. The possible homology with the vertebrate anterior pituitary is raised and discussed with reference to the existing literature and to the presence of ACTH-like immunoreactive cells in the neural gland.
D000818:Animals; D002816:Chordata, Nonvertebrate / Q000502:physiology*; D004702:Endocrine Glands / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D009420:Nervous System / Q000166:cytology; D009424:Nervous System Physiological Phenomena; D010902:Pituitary Gland