Peripheral innervation patterns and central distribution of fin chromatophore motoneurons in the cuttlefish Sepia officinalis.
Body patterning behavior in unshelled cephalopod molluscs such as squid, octopuses, and cuttlefish is the ability of these animals to create complex patterns on their skin. This behavior is generated primarily by chromatophores, pigment-containing organs that are directly innervated by central motoneurons. The present study focuses on innervation patterns and location of chromatophore motoneurons in the European cuttlefish Sepia officinalis, specifically those motoneurons that control chromatophores of the fin. The fin is known to be innervated by the large, branching fin nerve. This study further characterizes the innervation of fin chromatophores by the fin nerve, generates a reference system for the location of fin nerve branches across individuals, and localizes the neurons whose axons innervate fin chromatophores through the fin nerve. Data from extracellular stimulation of fin nerve branches in intact animals demonstrate topographic innervation of fin chromatophores, while retrograde labeling data reveal the posterior subesophageal mass of the brain as the primary location of fin chromatophore motoneurons.
Institute of Neuroscience, 1254 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-1254, USA. gaston@uoneuro.uoregon.edu
Michelle R
MR
Gaston
Nathan J
NJ
Tublitz
D000825:Animal Structures / Q000294:innervation*; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D002856:Chromatophores / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D008974:Mollusca / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D010858:Pigmentation / Q000502:physiology*; D014741:Video Recording; D014966:Xanthenes
D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D014966:Xanthenes; C034657:Texas red