Summary
The crustacean optic neuropiles, the lamina ganglionaris and especially the medulla externa, show a specific pattern of green fluorescence with the fluorescence histochemical method of Falck-Hillarp. Normally, only the terminals and the cell bodies fluoresce, but in reserpine-treated animals exogenous catecholamines are taken up by the whole adrenergic neuron and are thus visualized as a whole. Incubating crayfish optic neuropiles in dopamine or α-methylnoradrenaline after reserpine treatment demonstrated a tangential neuron connecting the lamina and the medulla externa. The morphology of this tangential neuron differs from the two types of tangential neurons, Tan1 and Tan2, previously characterized with Golgi techniques. The catecholaminergic neuron thus constitutes a third tangential neuron type.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Björklund, A., Falck, B., Owman, Ch.: Fluorescence microscopic and microspectrofluorometric techniques for the cellular localization and characterization of biogenic amines. In: Methods of investigative and diagnostic endocrinology (S.A. Berson, ed.), Vol. 1. The thyroid and biogenic amines (J.E. Rall, I.J. Kopin, eds.). Amsterdam: North-Holland Publ. Comp. 1972
Dahlström, A., Fuxe, K., Hillarp, N.-Å.: Site of action of reserpine. Acta pharmacol. (Kbh.) 22, 277–292 (1965)
De Robertis, E.: Subcellular distribution of neurohumors and chemical receptors in the central nervous system. J. Neuro-Visceral Rel., Suppl. 9, 261–276 (1969)
Ehinger, B., Falck, B., Laties, A.M.: Adrenergic neurons in teleost retina. Z. Zellforsch. 97, 285–297 (1969)
Elofsson, R., Dahl, E.: The optic neuropiles and chiasmata of Crustacea. Z. Zellforsch. 107, 343–360 (1970)
Elofsson, R., Klemm, N.: Monoamine-containing neurons in the optic ganglia of crustaceans and insects. Z. Zellforsch. 133, 475–499 (1972)
Falck, B.: Observations on the possibilities of the cellular localization of monoamines by a fluorescence method. Acta physiol. scand., Suppl. 197, 1–25 (1962)
Hafner, G.S.: The neural organization of the lamina ganglionaris in the crayfish: A Golgi and EM study. J. comp. Neurol. 152, 255–280 (1973)
Hamberger, B.: Reserpine-resistant uptake of catecholamines in isolated tissues of the rat. A histochemical study. Acta physiol. scand., Suppl. 295, 1–56 (1967)
Hamberger, B., Malmfors, T., Norberg, K.-A., Sachs, Ch.: Uptake and accumulation of catecholamines in peripheral adrenergic neurons of reserpinized animals, studied with a histochemical method. Biochem. Pharmacol. 13, 841–844 (1964)
Harreveld, A. van: A physiological solution for freshwater crustaceans. Proc. Soc. exp. Biol. (N.Y.) 34, 428–432 (1936)
Hökfelt, T.: In vitro studies on central and peripheral monoamine neurons at the ultrastructural level. Z. Zellforsch. 91, 1–74 (1968)
Karnovsky, M.J.: A formaldehyde-glutaraldehyde fixative of high osmolality for use in electron microscopy. J. Cell Biol. 27, 137A (1965)
Klemm, N.: Monoaminhaltige Strukturen im Zentralnervensystem der Trichoptera (Insecta), Teil I. Z. Zellforsch. 92, 487–502 (1968)
Myhrberg, H.: Ultrastructural localization of monoamines in the epidermis of Lumbricus terrestris (L.). Z. Zellforsch. 117, 139–154 (1971)
Nässel, D.: The organization of the lamina ganglionaris of the prawn, Pandalus borealis (Kröyer). Cell Tiss. Res. 163, 445–464 (1975)
Nässel, D.: Types and arrangements of neurons in the crayfish optic lamina. Cell Tiss. Res. 179, 45–75 (1977)
Ohly, K.P.: The neurons of the first synaptic region of the optic neuropile of the firefly, Phausis splendidula L. (Coleoptera). Cell Tiss. Res. 158, 89–109 (1975)
Ribi, W.A.: The neurons of the first optic ganglion of the bee (Apis mellifera). Advanc. Anat. 50, 4 (1975a)
Ribi, W.A.: Golgi studies of the first optic ganglion of the ant, Cataglyphis bicolor. Cell Tiss. Res. 160, 207–217 (1975b)
Scharrer, B.: Neurosecretion. XIV. Ultrastructural study of sites of release of neurosecretory material in blattarian insects. Z. Zellforsch. 89, 1–16 (1968)
Stell, W.K.: The morphological organization of the vertebrate retina. In: Handbook of sensory physiology, Vol. VII/2. Physiology of photoreceptor organs (M.G.F. Fuortes, ed.). Berlin-Heidelberg-New York: Springer 1972
Strausfeld, N.J.: Atlas of an insect brain. Berlin-Heidelberg-New York: Springer 1976
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Acknowledgement. The present study has been supported by the Swedish Natural Science Research Council, grant B 2760-009, the Magnus Bergvall foundation, and the Swedish Medical Research Council, grant 04X-712, the latter to Prof. Bengt Falck to whom we extend our gratitude. We are also indebted to Mrs. Rita Wallén and Miss Maria Walles for their skilled technical assistance. Reserpine (Serpasil®) was generously given to us by Hässle-Ciba-Geigy AB
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Elofsson, R., Nässel, D. & Myhrberg, H. A catecholaminergic neuron connecting the first two optic neuropiles (Lamina ganglionaris and Medulla externa) of the crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus . Cell Tissue Res. 182, 287–297 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00219765
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00219765