Immunohistochemical localization of polypeptide hormones in endocrine cells of the digestive tract of Branchiostoma lanceolatum.

The digestive tract of the cephalochordate Branchiostoma lanceolatum was investigated with regard to occurrence and distribution of endocrine cells. By the use of the peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) technique, cells in the gut epithelium reacting with antisera against 8 different mammalian polypeptide hormones were localized. Positive reactions were obtained with antisera against the four mammalian islet hormones (insulin, glucagon, pancreatic polypeptide, somatostatin) and against secretin, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, pentagastrin and neurotensin. No immunoreactivity was found with antisera members of the lipotropin family (ACTH, met-enkephalin, alpha-endorphin), against big-gastrin, cholecystokinin, substance P and motilin. The exact mapping of the different polypeptide immunoreactive cells throughout the digestive tract of Branchiostoma lanceolatum is presented.