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Evidence for acetylcholine as a neurotransmitter in the statocyst of Octopus vulgaris

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Summary

Evidence is presented for acetylcholine as neurotransmitter in the sensory epithelia (macula and crista) of the statocyst of Octopus vulgaris, based on the following techniques: (i) histochemical assay of acetylcholinesterase at light- and electron-microscopical levels, in combination with the detailed knowledge of the ultrastructural and neuronal organization of the receptor epithelia; (ii) lesion/degeneration experiments of the efferent fibre system; (iii) radiochemical assay of acetylcholine; and (iv) bioassay of acetylcholine. All data support the hypothesis that in the statocyst of O. vulgaris acetylcholine acts as a neurotransmitter in the efferent fibre system.

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This paper is dedicated to Professor Franz Huber, Seewiesen, on the occasion of his 60th birthday

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Auerbach, B., Budelmann, BU. Evidence for acetylcholine as a neurotransmitter in the statocyst of Octopus vulgaris . Cell Tissue Res. 243, 429–436 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00251060

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