title: Observations on the nature of neurosecretion in the marine crab Portunus sanguinolentus (Herbst) (Crustacea: Brachyura).
abstract: Several types of NS cells were identified in Portunus sanguinolentus--five types (A, A', B, C and D) in the brain and thoracic ganglion, four types (A, B, C and D) in the commissural ganglia and four types (alpha, beta, gamma and delta) in the optic ganglia. The distribution of these NS cells is described. Cytochemically, the neurosecretory material in the NS cells has a carbohydrate moiety and is rich in disulphide groups, lipids, phospholipids and RNA. It contains a small amount of sulphydryl groups and protein-bound NH2 groups, but no tyrosine or tryptophan. The NS activity of the brain was found to be closely associated with the reproductive and moult cycles. Just before the initiation of vitellogenesis and moulting the NS cells display secretory hyperactivity. Axonal transport of NS material was also observed in the NS cells.
authors.forename: B T
authors.initials: BT
authors.lastname: Babu
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Shyamasundari
authors.forename: K H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Rao
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003386:Brachyura / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D009490:Neurosecretory Systems / Q000166:cytology*