Summary
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1.
It is thought that the extensive system of nerves passing into the wall of the anterior vena cava in Eledone cirrosa has a neurosecretory function. Examination of the fine structure of the nerve terminations demonstrated the presence of large numbers of electron-dense granules similar to those described in known neurosecretory tissue.
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2.
Extracts of the anterior vena cava have a persistent excitatory effect on the isolated Eledone heart. The activity is not attributable to 5-hydroxytryptamine, noradrenaline or adrenaline. The active factor is heat stable. The greatest level of activity was found in the inner layers of the vessel in the region where the nerves pass into the wall of the vessel, i.e. the distribution of the active principle parallels that of the nerve terminations in the vein.
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The physiological role of the system is discussed.
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We thank Mr. J. Brown and Mr. B. Powell for technical assistance.
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Berry, C.F., Cottrell, G.A. Neurosecretion in the vena cava of the cephalopod Eledone cirrosa . Z. Zellforsch. 104, 107–115 (1970). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00340052
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00340052