title: Metamorphosin A is a neuropeptide.
abstract: A novel biologically active peptide (metamorphosin A, MMA, pEQPGLW.NH2) has recently been described. It was isolated from Anthopleura elegantissima and triggers metamorphosis in Hydractinia echinata. Antibodies directed against the C-terminal part of the molecule immunohistochemically stain neurosensory cells and processes in the anterior part of larvae of H. echinata. We assume that in metamorphosis MMA (or a closely related LW-amide) is an internal signal transmitted from the anterior to the posterior body parts. Immunoreactivity is also found in ectodermal nerve processes - but not cell bodies - in the tentacles and in the basal disk of the foot of Hydra magnipapillata. This is, to our knowledge, the first report of LW-amide(s) as (a) neuropeptide(s).
authors.affiliation: Zoologisches Institut II der Universität, Im Neuenheimer Feld 230, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Leitz
authors.affiliation: Zoologisches Institut II der Universität, Im Neuenheimer Feld 230, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
authors.forename: Marion
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lay
keywords: Hydra magnipapillata; Hydractinia echinata; Metamorphosin A; Nervous system (Hydrozoa, Planula); Neuropeptide