title: Neuronal classification and distribution in the central nervous system of the female mud crab, Scylla olivacea.
abstract: The mud crab, Scylla olivacea, is one of the most economically valuable marine species in Southeast Asian countries. However, commercial cultivation is disadvantaged by reduced reproductive capacity in captivity. Therefore, an understanding of the general and detailed anatomy of central nervous system (CNS) is required before investigating the distribution and functions of neurotransmitters, neurohormones, and other biomolecules, involved with reproduction. We found that the anatomical structure of the brain is similar to other crabs. However, the ventral nerve cord (VNC) is unlike other caridian and dendrobrachiate decapods, as the subesophageal (SEG), thoracic and abdominal ganglia are fused, due to the reduction of abdominal segments and the tail. Neurons in clusters within the CNS varied in sizes, and we found that there were five distinct size classes (i.e., very small globuli, small, medium, large, and giant). Clusters in the brain and SEG contained mainly very small globuli and small-sized neurons, whereas, the VNC contained small-, medium-, large-, and giant-sized neurons. We postulate that the different sized neurons are involved in different functions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand; Chulabphorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, 12121, Thailand.
authors.forename: Napamanee
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kornthong
authors.forename: Yotsawan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Tinikul
authors.forename: Kanjana
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Khornchatri
authors.forename: Jirawat
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Saeton
authors.forename: Sirilug
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Magerd
authors.forename: Saowaros
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Suwansa-Ard
authors.forename: Thanapong
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kruangkum
authors.forename: Peter J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Hanna
authors.forename: Prasert
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sobhon
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003386:Brachyura / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000166:cytology*; D001921:Brain / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000166:cytology*; D005260:Female; D008859:Microscopy, Polarization; D009474:Neurons / Q000648:ultrastructure
keywords: Scylla olivacea; central nervous system; neuron size classes; neuronal cell clusters