Pigment migration in fish erythrophores is controlled by alpha 2-adrenoceptors.
1. The aggregation of erythrosomes within erythrophores of the squirrel fish (Myripristis occidentalis; belonging to the family Holocentridae) was, on pharmacological grounds, shown to be mediated by alpha 2-adrenoceptors. 2. The erythrophores were shown to be controlled by adrenergic nerves activating the alpha 2-adrenoceptors. 3. The erythrophores themselves were found to possess a K+-sensitive mechanism of aggregation. 4. Some similarities and differences of the alpha 2-adrenoceptor-mediated chromatosome aggregation in melanophores and erythrophores are also discussed.
Karlsson
J O
JO
Department of Pharmacology, Linköping University, Sweden.
Andersson
R G
RG
Elwing
H
H
Grundström
N
N
D000818:Animals; D002856:Chromatophores / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D005576:Colforsin / Q000494:pharmacology; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D005399:Fishes / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000502:physiology; D010646:Phentolamine / Q000494:pharmacology; D011224:Prazosin / Q000494:pharmacology; D011942:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D015016:Yohimbine / Q000494:pharmacology
D011942:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha; D005576:Colforsin; D015016:Yohimbine; D009638:Norepinephrine; D011224:Prazosin; D010646:Phentolamine