Generalized presence of a PEC-60-like peptide in catecholamine neurones.
PEC-60, a 60-residue intestinal peptide structurally related to the pancreatic secretory type of trypsin inhibitor, has been isolated, characterized and molecularly cloned. It shows biological activity as a hormone in both the gastrointestinal tract and in the immune system. We now report immunohistochemical evidence suggesting its neural localization exclusively within central and peripheral catecholamine (CA) neurones. PEC-60-like immunoreactivity was present in cell bodies, dendrites and nerve terminals of virtually all catecholamine neurones examined and including the noradrenergic gland cells of the adrenal medulla. PEC-60-like immunoreactivity was not seen, however, within the tyrosine hydroxylase-positive but CA-negative arcuate neurones producing growth hormone releasing hormone. The findings open up the possibility that a PEC-60-like peptide may represent a generalized co-transmitter in the peripheral and central CA neurones.
Fuxe
K
K
Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
Tinner
B
B
Metsis
M
M
Staines
W
W
Morassutti
D
D
Agnati
L F
LF
Ostensson
C G
CG
Efendic
S
S
Agerberth
B
B
Goldstein
M
M
D000818:Animals; D002395:Catecholamines / Q000502:physiology*; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism*; D010455:Peptides / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D014446:Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase / Q000378:metabolism
D002395:Catecholamines; C069343:PEC-60 polypeptide; D010455:Peptides; D014446:Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase