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Distribution and localization of immunoreactive FMRFamide-like peptides in the lancelet
M Massari1, S Candiani, M Pestarino
1Dipartimento di Biologia Sperimentale, Università di Genova, Italy.
Abstract:
Immunofluorescence was used to study the distribution of FMRFamide (Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-NH2) in premetamorphic larvae and adults of the lancelet, Branchiostoma lanceolatum. In the larvae, FMR-Famide-containing presumably neuronal perikarya and fibers were limited to the anterior third of the dorsal nerve cord. Throughout this region, most of the immunoreactive perikarya and fibers were located ventrolaterally and ventrally within the nerve cord; in addition, in the caudal part of the cerebral vesicle, some of the immunofluorescent cells projected cytoplasmic extensions across the slot-like neural canal. In adult lancelets, immunofluorescence was detected in cells of the Hatschek's pit (a probable homologue of the anterior hypophysis of vertebrates); however, no immunofluorescence was detected in the larval preoral pit, which is the ontogenetic precursor of Hatschek's pit. Moreover, the FMR-Famide-containing elements do not show immunoreactivity to other peptides of the FaRPs family such as pancreatic polypeptide (PP). The results suggest that FMRF-amide may be involved in neuroendocrine functions of lancelets.
Insights
FMRFamide (Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-NH2) is found in the nervous system of lancelet larvae and adults. This neuropeptide may play a role in the neuroendocrine functions of these primitive chordates.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- FMRFamide (Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-NH2) is a neuropeptide found in various animal groups.
- Lancelets (Branchiostoma lanceolatum) are basal chordates, offering insights into vertebrate evolution.
- Understanding FMRFamide distribution can illuminate its functional roles in primitive nervous systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution of FMRFamide in premetamorphic larvae and adults of Branchiostoma lanceolatum.
- To determine if FMRFamide-containing cells in lancelets exhibit cross-reactivity with other FMRFamide-related peptides (FaRPs).
- To explore the potential neuroendocrine functions of FMRFamide in lancelets.
Main Methods:
- Immunofluorescence staining was employed to visualize FMRFamide distribution.
- Antibodies against FMRFamide and other FaRPs (e.g., pancreatic polypeptide) were used.
- Confocal microscopy was utilized for detailed imaging of immunoreactive cells and fibers.
Main Results:
- FMRFamide-immunoreactive perikarya and fibers were localized to the anterior dorsal nerve cord in larvae.
- In larvae, FMRFamide-containing cells projected extensions across the neural canal.
- In adult lancelets, FMRFamide was detected in Hatschek's pit, but not in the larval preoral pit; no cross-reactivity with PP was observed.
Conclusions:
- FMRFamide is present in the nervous system and Hatschek's pit of Branchiostoma lanceolatum.
- The distribution suggests a role for FMRFamide in neuroendocrine regulation in lancelets.
- FMRFamide's presence in Hatschek's pit hints at conserved neuroendocrine pathways in chordates.