Immunocytochemical localization of serotonin in embryos, larvae and adults of the lancelet, Branchiostoma floridae

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) is a biogenic amine distributed throughout the metazoans and has an old evolutionary history. It is involved as a developmental signal in the early morphogenesis of both invertebrates and vertebrates, whereas in adults it acts mainly as a neurotransmitter and gastroin...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of molecular histology 2001-07, Vol.33 (7), p.413-420
Main Authors: Candiani, S, Augello, A, Oliveri, D, Passalacqua, M, Pennati, R, De Bernardi, F, Pestarino, M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Central Nervous System - embryology
Central Nervous System - growth & development
Central Nervous System - metabolism
Chordata, Nonvertebrate - embryology
Chordata, Nonvertebrate - growth & development
Chordata, Nonvertebrate - metabolism
Digestive System - embryology
Digestive System - growth & development
Digestive System - metabolism
Embryo, Nonmammalian - metabolism
Embryonic and Fetal Development
Embryos
Female
Fertilization in Vitro
Immunohistochemistry
Larva - metabolism
Male
Nervous system
Serotonin
Serotonin - metabolism
Signal Transduction
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Summary:Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) is a biogenic amine distributed throughout the metazoans and has an old evolutionary history. It is involved as a developmental signal in the early morphogenesis of both invertebrates and vertebrates, whereas in adults it acts mainly as a neurotransmitter and gastrointestinal hormone. In vertebrates, serotonin regulates the morphogenesis of the central nervous system and the specification of serotonergic as well as dopaminergic neurons. The present study uses, as an experimental model, an invertebrate chordate, the lancelet Branchiostomafloridae, characterized by its remarkable homologies with vertebrates that allows the 'bauplan' of the probable ancestor of vertebrates to be outlined. In particular, the involvement of serotonin as a developmental signal in embryos and larvae, as well as a neurotransmitter and gastrointestinal hormone in adult specimens of Branchiostoma floridae, gives further support to a common origin of cephalocordates and vertebrates.
ISSN:0018-2214
1567-2379
1573-6865
1567-2387
DOI:10.1023/A:1013775927978