Cytochemistry of the neurosecretory cells in the crab Menippe rumphii (Fabricius, Crustacea: Brachyura)

In Menippe rumphii five types of neurosecretory cells are found in the cerebral, commissural and thoracic ganglia. Detailed cytochemical observations on the neurosecretory cells revealed that they have responded strongly to saliva resistant PAS staining. Among proteins those rich in disulfides and sulhydryl groups are observed. Greater amounts of cytoplasmic RNA are observed in the reproductive season. Considerable amounts of lipids and phospholipids are also observed in the AS cells. The cytochemical differences between the NS cells and the nonsecretory neurons are also discussed.