Cholecystokinin (CCK)/gastrin-like immunoreactive neurones in the cerebral ganglion of the protochordate ascidians Styela clava and Ascidiella aspersa

Mercuric chloride-induced gastrin/cholecystokinin 8 immunoreactivity in the central nervous system of the terrestrial slug Semperula maculata: an immunohistochemical study

We measured the immunoreactivity of the neuropeptide gastrin cholecystokinin 8 (gastrin/CCK 8) in neurons of the terrestrial slug Semperula maculata following acute treatment with mercuric chloride (HgCl2). The distribution of gastrin/CCK 8 was analyzed in neurons of different regions, specifically from cerebral ganglia (procerebrum (pro-c), mesocerebrum (meso-c) and metacerebrum (meta-c). In the control group, neurons of pedal, pleural, parietal and visceral ganglia showed positive immunoreactivity using vertebrate antiserum against gastrin/CCK 8. Gastrin/CCK 8 immunoreactivity was also seen in the fibers and neuropil region of all ganglia. In the cerebral ganglion, 10, 12 and 8 % of the neurons from pro-c, meso-c and meta-c, respectively, were stained with the antibody. The immunostaining was increased in neurons (giant, large, medium and small) after HgCl2 treatment. The treatment greatly increased the mucin content within the neurons. Exposure to HgCl2 enhanced gastrin immunoreactivity in the neurons and this increased with time. Results are discussed in the context of neuropathology in cerebral ganglia associated with the feeding behavior of Semperula maculata.

Endocrinology of protochordates

Large-scale gene duplications occurred early in the vertebrate lineage after the split with protochordates. Thus, protochordate hormones and their receptors, transcription factors, and signaling pathways may be the foundation for the endocrine system in vertebrates. A number of hormones have been identified including cionin, a likely ancestor of cholecytokinin (CCK) and gastrin. Both insulin and insulin-like growth hormone (IGF) have been identified in separate cDNAs in a tunicate, whereas only a single insulin-like peptide was found in amphioxus. In tunicates, nine distinct forms of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) are shown to induce gamete release, even though a pituitary gland and sex steroids are lacking. In both tunicates and amphioxus, there is evidence of some components of a thyroid system, but the lack of a sequenced genome for amphioxus has slowed progress in the structural identification of its hormones. Immunocytochemistry has been used to tentatively identify a number of hormones in protochordates, but structural and functional studies are needed. For receptors, protochordates have many vertebrate homologs of nuclear receptors, such as the thyroid, retinoic acid, and retinoid X receptors. Also, tunicates have cell surface receptors including the G-protein-coupled type, such as β-adrenergic, putative endocannabinoid, cionin (CCK-like), and two GnRH receptors. Several tyrosine kinase receptors include two epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors (tunicates) and an insulin/IGF receptor (amphioxus). Interestingly, neither steroid receptors nor a full complement of enzymes for synthesis of sex steroids are encoded in the Ciona genome. Tunicates appear to have some but not all of the necessary molecules to develop a vertebrate-like pituitary or complete thyroid system.

Molecular cloning of a putative Ciona intestinalis cionin receptor, a new member of the CCK/gastrin receptor family

Cionin, a peptide showing similarities with cholecystokinin and gastrin has been shown to be expressed in the gut and neural ganglion of the protochordate Ciona intestinalis. The present report describes the cloning of a putative cionin receptor (CioR), a new member of the CCK/gastrin family from the gastrointestinal tract of C. intestinalis. mRNA from the stomach of C. intestinalis was isolated using a modified RNA extraction procedure and, subsequently, reverse-transcribed into single-stranded cDNA by means of rapid amplification of 5'- and 3'-cDNA ends (RACE-PCR), followed by full-length PCR amplification. The cloned full-length PCR amplicons contained a short upstream open-reading frame (uORF) coding for a putative 16 amino acid long peptide, followed by a long open reading frame encoding a 526 amino acid putative CioR protein. At the amino acid level, the putative CioR protein shared 35-40% homology with cloned mammalian, chicken, and Xenopus laevis CCK receptors. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the chicken and X. laevis CCK receptors are orthologues of the mammalian CCK2 receptors whereas CioR protein forms a clade with vertebrate cholecystokinin receptors. Moreover, we found that the CioR cDNA and deduced amino acid sequences were found to correspond to the annotated CCK/gastrin-like receptor gene on Scaffold 117 (C. intestinalis draft genome project, Joint Genome Institute database; http://www.jgi.doe.gov).

cDNA deduced procionin. Structure and expression in protochordates resemble that of procholecystokinin in mammals

Using an improved 3' RACE (PCR) amplification system containing oligonucleotide primer with an inosine at ambiguous codon positions and inverse PCR to amplify the 5' ends, we have isolated and characterized cDNA clones which encode cionin, a protochordean homologue of the mammalian hormones, cholecystokinin (CCK) and gastrin. The full-length cloned cDNA of 510 bp encoded a 128 amino acid preprocionin. Reverse transcription-PCR and subsequent cDNA cloning revealed that cionin mRNA is expressed in both the neuronal ganglion and the gut of the protochordate Ciona intestinalis. The primary structure of procionin resembles that of proCCK more than that of progastrin. Sequence-specific immunochemical analysis showed that the cionin gene is expressed also at peptide level in both the gut and the neural ganglion. The neuronal processing of procionin is, however, more complete both with respect to carboxyamidation and tyrosine O-sulfation. Hence, the tissue-specific expression of the cionin gene in Ciona intestinalis resembles that of the CCK gene in mammals.

Occurrence of members of the insulin superfamily in central nervous system and digestive tract of protochordates

Antisera specific for mammalian insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and mammalian insulin and the double immunofluorescence technique were used for this study. IGF-1-like-immunoreactivity was localized in entero-endocrine cells in the gastro-intestinal tract of the protochordates Ciona intestinalis and Branchiostoma lanceolatum. Some of the specimens also showed IGF-1-like-immunoreactive (-IR) perikarya and fibers in the central nervous system. Whilst in rat endocrine pancreas, IGF-1-IR and insulin-IR occurred in different cell populations, in Ciona and Branchiostoma the vast majority of entero-endocrine cells and central neurons were IGF-1-like- +insulin-IR. A minor portion exhibited IGF-1-like-IR alone. For further characterization of the IGF-1-like-IR material, in Ciona intestinalis, peptides related to IGF-1 were identified by radioimmunoassay and gel chromatography. In accordance with the immunohistochemical results, IGF-I-like-IR was detected both in cerebral ganglion and in gastro-intestinal tract. Using acid gel chromatography, in Ciona gastro-intestinal tract the IGF-1-like-IR was found to occur in two peaks, with apparent molecular weights of approximately 16 kDa and 3 kDa. Absorption studies with insulin- and IGF-related peptides, with crude extracts and the peak material obtained after gel chromatography, indicated that the IGF-1-like peptides in Ciona are different from mammalian insulin and IGF-1. The findings are in accordance with the presence of a common insulin/IGF precursor molecule in protochordates.

Pattern of substance P- and cholecystokinin-like immunoreactivity during regeneration of the neural complex in the ascidian Ciona intestinalis

The neural ganglion of ascidians exhibits a novel and rapid pattern of regeneration whereby within approximately 28-35 days of total ablation an entirely new neural complex is formed. In normal adults, neuronal cell bodies expressing substance P- (SP-Li), neurokinin A-(NKA-Li), CCK/gastrin- (CCK-Li), and insulin-like immunoreactivity exhibit a clearly defined pattern of localization in the cortical rind of the ganglion with characteristic long processes arising from the perikarya running throughout the neuropile. CCK-Li cell bodies are particularly concentrated close to the points of exit of the main nerve trunks. We have used antisera raised against these peptides to monitor the process of regeneration up to postoperative (pa) day 35. Only SP and CCK antisera produced positive staining in the regenerating tissue. Immunoreactive cell bodies first appear following 14 days pa. At this time CCK-Li neurons are more abundant than SP-Li neurons and in contrast to the pattern found in the normal adult ganglion, immunoreactive cell bodies are located both peripherally and centrally in the core of the ganglion and processes were rarely seen. Later stages exhibited an increasing number of SP-Li neurons and at 35 days pa SP-Li cell bodies clearly predominate. CCK-Li neurons typically become clustered close to the points of emergence of the anterior nerve roots. The early expression of CCK-Li and SP-Li molecules during regeneration is considered in terms of their potential role in development and cell proliferation in the newly forming ganglion.

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.

Immunocytochemical Localization of Glucagon-Related Peptides in the Cerebral Ganglion of the Protochordate Ascidian, Styela plicata

Abstract The central nervous system of the protochordate ascidian Styela plicata has been investigated by means of immunocytochemical techniques in order to localize peptides of the glucagon/secretin family. In particular, glucagon- and peptide histidine isoleucine-containing neurons were localized in the cortex of the cerebral ganglion, and numerous nerve cell bodies containing vasoactive intestinal polypeptide occurred mainly in the medullary zone. Moreover, coexistence of glucagon/peptide histidine isoleucine and glucagon/vasoactive intestinal polypeptide was detected in a few cortical neurons. The localization of peptide histidine isoleucine-like peptides in the central nervous system and alimentary tract supports the occurrence of a 'brain-gut axis' in protochordates as well as in vertebrates and some invertebrates, while glucagon- and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-like substances can be considered exclusively as neuropeptides.

The serotoninergic, cholinergic and peptidergic components of the nervous system in the monogenean parasite, Diclidophora merlangi: a cytochemical study

Confocal scanning laser microscopy has been employed with immunocytochemical techniques to map the distribution of serotoninergic and peptidergic components in the nervous system of the monogenean gill-parasite, Diclidophora merlangi; results are compared with the distribution of cholinergic components, following histochemical staining for cholinesterase activity. While all three neurochemical elements are present in the central and peripheral nervous systems, the cholinergic and peptidergic systems dominate the CNS, whereas the PNS has a majority of serotoninergic nerve fibres. The cholinergic and peptidergic neuronal pathways overlap extensively in staining patterns, suggesting possible co-localization of acetylcholine and neuropeptides. Within the peptidergic nervous system, immunoreactivity to the pancreatic polypeptide family of peptides and FMRFamide were the most prevalent. Gastrin/cholecystokinin (CCK)-, neuropeptide Y-, substance P-, neurokinin A- and eledoisin-like immunoreactivities have been demonstrated for the first time in a monogenean parasite. The gastrin/CCK- and tachykinin-like immunoreactivities had an apparently restricted distribution in the worm.

Polypeptides related to mammalian procholecystokinin in the brain of an invertebrate, a marine worm, Nereis diversicolor: evidence from in ovo translation of mRNA

Total mRNA extracted from brain of a sea worm Nereis diversicolor (Annelida, Polychaeta) were injected into Xenopus oocytes. The in ovo-translated polypeptides were analyzed through electrophoresis of immunoprecipitated products or Western blotting techniques. Some of these polypeptides cross-reacted antibodies elaborated against three mammalian (human and rat) procholecystokinin (pro-CCK) sequences. Polypeptides of 15, 64, and 70 kDa were determined, but two families of less obvious products, whose molecular masses were between 27-34 kDa and 46-60 kDa, appeared. Furthermore, the Western blotting technique also showed a cross-reaction between some of the polypeptides (64 and 70 kDa) extracted from brains and the antibodies used. From this work, evidence is given of the presence of epitopes shared by cellular polypeptides extracted from the brain, in ovo-translated products and mammalian pro-CCK. Furthermore, these data suggest the existence of a CCK precursor in the brain of N. diversicolor.

Gastrin/CCK-like immunoreactivity in Hatschek's groove of Branchiostoma lanceolatum (Cephalochordata)

Gastrin/CCK-like immunoreactivity was demonstrated in a specific group of epithelial cells in Hatschek's groove. Positive reactions were obtained with antisera directed against the C-terminal amino acid sequence common to mammalian CCK and gastrin, but not with antisera against the midportions of these hormones. No immunoreactivity was obtained with antisera against peptides from hypophysis, neuroendocrine peptides in the gastrointestinal tract, islet hormones, calcitonin, NSE, and S-100. The function of the gastrin/CCK-like peptide found in Hatschek's groove is discussed.

Sulphated CCK-8-like peptides in the neural ganglion of the protochordate Ciona intestinalis

Immunochemical studies were carried out on extracts of the neural ganglion from the ascidian Ciona intestinalis in order to the characterize the peptide(s), which react with antibodies against the C-terminal sequence common for the mammalian hormones, cholecystokinin (CCK) and gastrin. Radioimmunoassays specific for the sulphotyrosyl-containing N-terminus of CCK-8, for the common alpha-carboxyamidated C-terminus and for gastrin were used to monitor gel chromatography and reverse-phase HPLC of the extracts. Only neutral extracts contained immunoreactive material (634 (524-785) pmol eqv.CCK-8/g) (mean and range, n = 4)). HPLC revealed a small peak eluting almost like CCK-8 and a larger peak eluting earlier. By subsequent gel chromatography the larger peak eluted in the same position as sulphated CCK-8. The material was recognized almost equally by the N- and C-terminal CCK radioimmunoassays, whereas the specific C-terminal gastrin radioimmunoassay did not measure the peptides. Treatment with arylsulphatase removed the binding to the antiserum specific for the sulphotyrosyl-containing sequence of CCK. The results indicate that the ganglion of Ciona intestinalis contains a tyrosyl-sulphated peptide resembling mammalian CCK-8.

Identification and localization of material with gastrin-like immunoreactivity in the neural ganglion of a protochordate, Ciona intestinalis

Little is known of the identity of gastrin/cholecystokinin (CCK)-like peptides in protochordates. These animals are at a level of organization corresponding to that from which the vertebrate line arose; in order to shed light on the origins of gastrin/CCK-like peptides, we have studied by immunochemical methods these peptides in a protochordate, Ciona intestinalis. In radioimmunoassay, boiling water extracts of the neural ganglion reacted with C-terminal specific gastrin/CCK antibodies, but not N-terminal or intact G17 specific antibodies. Of particular importance was the fact that a gastrin antibody which reacts weakly with CCK8 showed full activity with the Ciona material, suggesting that it resembles the C-terminus of gastrin. A single major peak was found by gel filtration and HPLC. In immunohistochemistry, nerve cell bodies were found in the cortical regions of the ganglion, and abundant fibres ramified in the central neuropile. We conclude that peptides of the gastrin/CCK series occur in nervous tissue in protochordates, and that while they are distinguishable from known forms of both gastrin and CCK, they resemble C-terminal fragments of the mammalian gastrins.

A pituitary-like role of the neural gland of an ascidian

The neural gland of the ascidian Styela plicata has been investigated by means of the indirect immunofluorescence method. The possible homology with the vertebrate anterior pituitary is raised and discussed with reference to the existing literature and to the presence of ACTH-like immunoreactive cells in the neural gland.

CCK-like peptides in the neural complex of a protochordate

The neural complex of the ascidian Styela plicata has been investigated by means of cytochemical and immunocytochemical methods. In the cerebral ganglion, using a mammalian antibody to synthetic CCK-8, immunoreactive neurons and nerve fibers have been localized; at the same time immunofluorescent cells are scattered in some glandular lobules of the neural gland. The possible functions of a CCK-8-like peptide in ascidians is suggested and discussed.

Immunocytochemical mapping of gastrin/CCK-like peptides in the neuroendocrine system of the blowfly Calliphora vomitoria (Diptera)

The distribution of gastrin/CCK-like immunoreactive material has been studied in the retrocerebral complex of Calliphora. The material reacts with antisera specific for the common COOH terminus of gastrin and CCK but not with N-terminal antisera. The three thoracic ganglia and the fused abdominal ganglia each contain a specific number of symmetrically arranged immunoreactive cells both dorsally and ventrally in pairs on either side of the midline in a sagittal plane. The neuropil of these ganglia also contains a considerable amount of immunoreactive fibres and droplets. Reconstructed axonal pathways suggest that some of the nerve fibres have their origins within the brain and/or the suboesophageal ganglion. Immunoreactive material may also be seen apparently leaving the thoracic ganglion posteriorly via the abdominal nerves, and there is strong evidence of a neurohaemal organ within the dorsal sheath in the region of the metathoracic and abdominal ganglia. There appears to be a direct correlation between the content of peptidergic material of cells and fibres and the age and diet of the flies. The corpus cardiacum contains COOH-terminal specific gastrin/CCK-like material within the intrinsic cells and in the neuropil. It is present also in the cardiac-recurrent nerve entering the corpus cardiacum anteriorly and in the nerves leaving the gland dorsoposteriorly, the aortic or cardiac nerves. It is not observed, however, in the nerves leaving the corpus cardiacum ventroposteriorly, the so-called oesophageal, gastric or crop-duct nerves. The corpus allatum and the hypocerebral ganglion do not contain immunoreactive material of this type. Gastrin/CCK-like and secretin-like immunoreactive materials appear to co-exist in the cells of the corpus cardiacum and co-existence of gastrin/CCK-like and pancreatic polypeptide-like substances occurs within certain cells of the thoracic ganglion.

Prolactinergic neurons in a protochordate

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.

Species and tissue distribution of cholecystokinin/gastrin-like substances in some invertebrates

Twenty-six species of invertebrates representing eight phyla were surveyed for the presence of cholecystokinin/gastrin-like (CCK/gastrin-like) peptides by radioimmunoassay of various tissue extracts. This is the first report of the presence of CCK/gastrin-like peptides in representatives of the phylum Ectoprocta, the arthropodan classes Crustacea and Merostomata, and in the nervous systems of the gastropod mollusc Aplysia californica and the oligochaete annelid Lumbricus terrestris. It has been proposed that CCK/gastrin evolved in the invertebrates as a neural peptide and was subsequently exploited by the vertebrates as a regulatory peptide in both the nervous system and the gastrointestinal endocrine system. The present results indicate that some gastropod molluscs, a merostomatan arthropod, and an annelid have detectable CCK/gastrin in both nervous and gut tissue. However, extractable CCK/gastrin was found only in gut tissue and not in the central nervous system of a crustacean arthropod. The tissue origin of the extracted CCK/gastrin in Bugula (phylum Ectoprocta) was not determined. Final resolution of the question of the nervous versus gut endocrine cellular origin of CCK/gastrin in invertebrates awaits further investigation. CCK/gastrin-like peptides are widely distributed among the invertebrates, which thus provide a rich source of comparative material for study of these regulatory substances.