IDENTIFICATION OF SYNAPTOPHYSIN-LIKE IMMUNOREACTIVITY IN THE SEA-ANEMONE CONDYLACTIS-GIGANTEA (CNIDARIA, ANTHOZOA)

Synaptophysin is a membrane protein of synaptic vesicles that serves a s an antigenic marker for nervous and endocrine systems in mammals. Mo noclonal antisera generated against synaptophysin were used for immuno cytochemical staining in tissues of the tentacles of the sea anemone C ondylactis gigantea (Cnidaria: Anthozoa). Specific staining, visible a t the light and electron microscope levels, was found in the tentacle. Proteins were extracted from the tissues and solubilized. Using SDS-p olyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blotting, we identified proteins with apparent molecular weights of 38,000, 78,000, and 114,00 0. The data suggest the tissues of this anthozoan contain synaptophysi n-like proteins with molecular properties similar to those of mammalia n neurons.