The neuroendocrine and immune systems in Protochordates

Abstract

Summary Studies on Protochordates have providedinteresting findings for understanding the phylogeny of chordates. The localization and distribution of regulatory peptides in Protochordates such as Ascidians and Cephalochordates appears to highlight some evolutionary patterns of the neuroendocrine system. At the same time, numerous studies have been carried out on the blood cells of Ascidians and their immune responsiveness. Recently, neuropeptides have been localized in some blood cell types and therefore it suggests that in Ascidians, neuropeptides may modulate the immune functions as demonstrated in higher vertebrates.