Neurones and Neuropeptides in Coelenterates

Abstract

The first nervous system probably evolved in coelenterates. Many neurones in coelenterates have morphological characteristics of both sensory and motor neurones, and appear to be multifunctional. Using immunocytochemistry with antisera to the sequence Arg-Phe-NH2 (RFamide), RFamide-like peptides were demonstrated in the nervous systems of all classes of coelenterates. Using a radioimmunoassay for RFamide, three such peptides were isolated from the sea anemone Anthopleura elegantissisma and sequenced: