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Morphological studies of possible neuroendocrine structures in Helisoma tenue (Gastropoda: Pulmonata)

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Summary

Studies of possible neuroendocrine structures in the pulmonate gastropod Helisoma tenue show that cerebral fuchsinophilic neurons with electron-dense granules (mean diameter 1,500 Å) apparently release their secretory content in an “intercerebral commissure neurohemal area” near the mediodorsal bodies (MDB) or in the “median labial nerve neurohemal area”.

The MDB cells have axon-like processes which branch and end at the cerebral surface, separated by a thin capsule from the cerebral fuchsinophilic cells. The presence of granules (mean diameter 800 Å) in the terminals of the MDB cells suggests cell body origin, distal transport and release of the granular secretory material. The secretory product may have an influence on cerebral fuchsinophilic neurons.

Electron microscopy reveals the presence of granules of different sizes and densities in expanded neurites at the periphery of the intestinal nerve of the visceral ganglion which may indicate the presence of a neurohemal area. However, the granules in the intestinal nerve neurites and in the visceral ganglion fuchsinophilic cells are similar to granules found in the heart which also suggests that the granules may carry a neurotransmitter.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology and its Cancer Research Genetics Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA

    Leonard Simpson

  2. Biology Department, Portland State University, P. O. Box 751, 97207, Portland, Oregon, USA

    Leonard Simpson

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  1. Leonard Simpson
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This study was supported by NTH traineship USPHS T1 CA 5045 and NSF grant GB-6424X. The author would like to thank Professor Howard A. Bern for guidance and support during the course of this work, Mr. John Underhill and Mr. Albert Blaker for photographic assistance, and Mrs. Emily Reid for preparation of the diagram in Fig. 16.

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Simpson, L. Morphological studies of possible neuroendocrine structures in Helisoma tenue (Gastropoda: Pulmonata). Z. Zellforsch. 102, 570–593 (1969). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00335494

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