PYY-like peptides in the central and peripheral nervous system of a frog and a lizard

PYY-immunoreactive material was detected in endocrine cells in the gut of a lizard, Lacerta vivipara, and a frog, Rana temporaria. The findings are consistent with other reports on reptiles, amphibians and higher species. In addition, however, PYY-like material was found in neuronal elements both in the gut and in the brain. High performance liquid chromatography of frog brain extracts showed the PYY-like material to elute in one minor fraction (eluting position similar but not identical to that of porcine synthetic PYY) and two major fractions (distinct from PYY and probably representing smaller and more hydrophobic PYY-like peptides).