Prolactinergic neurons in a protochordate

Abstract

Peptidergic neurons have been detected in the cerebral ganglion of the ascidian Styela plicata by means of cytochemical methods. After incubation with a mammalian antibody to human prolactin the perikarya show a strong immunoreactivity. The possible function of prolactin-like peptides in the nervous system of protochordates is discussed. © 1983 Springer-Verlag.