Summary
The topography of the neurosecretory system in the decapod eyestalk has not been precisely delineated with light microscopy. Cobalt iontophoresis and electron microscopy have proved useful in clarifying the microstructure of this system. The sinus gland (sg) of the crayfish eyestalk consists of aggregated axon terminals which end at or near the blood space, lontophoresing cobalt back through the cut base of the sinus glands reveals proximal cell bodies in the eyestalk only in the X organ (Xo) region. Electron microscopy demonstrates that axons from about 115 neurosecretory cell bodies in the Xo form the Xo-sg tract. Intermingled with these Xo somata are smaller non-neurosecretory cell bodies which do not send axons into the sinus gland. One of these exhibits catecholamine fluorescence. Backfilling also reveals a second group of fibres which run from the brain along the optic tract and into the sinus gland. These brain-sg fibres are smaller in diameter than Xo-sg axons and lack neurosecretory vesicles. From these fibres collaterals extend into the eyestalk neuropil, especially in the proximity of the visual elements. The possible function of these non-neurosecretory processes within the sinus gland is discussed.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Adiyodi, K.G., Adiyodi, R.G.: Endocrine control of reproduction in decapod Crustacea. Biol. Rev. 45, 121–165 (1970)
Andrew, R.D., Saleuddin, A.S.M.: Structure and innervation of a crustacean neurosecretory cell. Canad. J. Zool. 56, 423–430 (1978)
Andrew, R.D., Shivers, R.R.: Ultrastructure of neurosecretory granule exocytosis by crayfish sinus gland induced with ionic manipulations. J. Morph. 150, 253–278 (1976)
Aréchiga, H.: Circadian rhythmicity in the nervous system of crustaceans. Fed. Proc. 36, 2036–2041 (1977)
Berlind, A.: Cellular dynamics in invertebrate neurosecretory systems. Int. Rev. Cytol. 49, 171–251 (1977)
Bliss, D.E., Durand, J.B., Welsh, J.H.: Neurosecretory systems in decapod Crustacea. Z. Zellforsch. 39, 520–536 (1954)
Bliss, D.E., Welsh, J.H.: The neurosecretory system of brachyuran Crustacea. Biol. Bull. 103, 157–169 (1952)
Bunt, A.H., Ashby, E.A.: Ultrastructural changes in crayfish sinus gland following electrical stimulation. Gen. comp. Endocr. 10, 376–382 (1968)
Carlisle, D.B.: Note préliminaire sur la structure du système neurosécréteur du pédoncle oculaire de Lysmata seticaudata Risso (Crustacea). C. R. Acad. Sci. (Paris) 236, 2541–2542 (1953)
Cooke, I.M., Haylette, B.A., Weatherby, T.M.: Electrically elicited neurosecretory and electrical responses of the isolated crab sinus gland in normal and reduced calcium salines. J. exp. Biol. 70, 125–149 (1977)
Durand, J.B.: Neurosecretory cell types and their secretory activity in the crayfish. Biol. Bull. 111, 62–76 (1956)
Enami, M.: The sources and activities of two chromatophorotropic hormones in crabs of the genus Sesarma. II. Histology of incretory elements. Biol. Bull. 101, 241–258 (1951)
Goh, S.L., Davey, K.G.: Localization and distribution of catecholaminergic structures in the nervous system of Phocanema decipens (Nematoda). Int. J. Parasit. 6, 403–411 (1976)
Harreveld, A. van: A physiological solution for fresh water crustaceans. Proc. Soc. exp. Biol. (N.Y.) 34, 428–432 (1936)
Hisano, S.: The eyestalk neurosecretory cell types in the freshwater prawn Palaemon paucidens. I. A light microscopical study. J. Fac. Sci. Hokkaido Univ., Ser VI, Zool. 19, 503–513 (1974)
Hisano, S.: Neurosecretory cell types in the eyestalk of the freshwater prawn Palaemon paucidens. An electron microscopic study. Cell Tiss. Res. 166, 511–520 (1976)
Passano, L.M.: The X organ — sinus gland neurosecretory system in crabs. Anat. Rec. 111, 502 (1951)
Pitman, R.M., Tweedle, C.D., Cohen, M.J.: Branching of central neurons: intracellular cobalt injection for light and electron microscopy. Science 176, 412–414 (1972)
Smith, G., Naylor, E.: The neurosecretory system of the eyestalk of Carcinus maenas (Crustacea: Decapoda). J. Zool. (Lond.) 166, 313–321 (1972)
Strausfeld, N.J., Obermayer, M.: Resolution of intraneuronal and transynaptic migration of cobalt in the insect visual and central nervous systems. J. comp. Physiol. 110, 1–12 (1976)
Tyrer, N.M., Bell, E.M.: The intensification of cobalt-filled neurone profiles using a modification of Timm's sulfide-silver method. Brain Res. 73, 151–155 (1974)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
This work was supported by a National Research Council of Canada grant
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Andrew, R.D., Orchard, I. & Saleuddin, A.S.M. Structural re-evaluation of the neurosecretory system in the crayfish eyestalk. Cell Tissue Res. 190, 235–246 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00218172
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00218172