Cells in the intestinal system of holothurians (Echinodermata) express cholecystokinin-like immunoreactivity

The presence of cholecystokinin (CCK), originally isolated from porcine small intestine, has been reported in a diversity of invertebrates ranging, from cnidarians to protochordates, but so far, not in echinoderms. We have used immunohistochemical techniques to demonstrate the presence of cells expressing CCK-like immunoreactivity in the intestine of three species of sea cucumber: Holothuria mexicana, H. glaberrima, and Stichopus badionotus. The immunoreactivity was observed within the cytoplasm of these cells, in what appeared to be granular or vesicle-like structures. The cell bodies were present in the outer connective tissue layer of the intestine and had a neuronal appearance, sending an axon-like structure into the circular muscle and internal connective tissue. A plexus of fibers expressing CCK-like immunoreactivity was found overlying the muscle layer. Contractility of H. mexicana intestinal strips was studied under partially isometric conditions. CCK and related peptides induced relaxation of the basal muscle tension, and of tension induced by ACh application, suggesting a role for this agent in the intestinal physiology of holothurians.