The neurosecretory system of the adult Melanogryllus desertus pall. (Orthoptera,Gryllidae)

Summary The cerebral neurohemal area of Melanogryllus desertus is located posteriorly among the neurons of nervus corporis cardiaci I (NCCI) on the ventral median surface of the protocerebrum where axons penetrate the neural lamella and terminate on its outer surface. Numerous neurosecretory fibers containing three different types of granule occur within and on the outer surface of the neural lamella.The release of neurosecretory granules is accomplished by exocytosis and the formation of synaptoids. It can also take place as a mass release of granules into the stroma.     

Leucokinin and diuretic hormone immunoreactivity of neurons in the tobacco hornworm,Manduca sexta,and co-localization of this immunoreactivity in lateral neurosecretory cells of abdominal ganglia

Because leucokinins stimulate diuresis in some insects, we wished to identify the neurosecretory cells in Manduca sexta that might be a source of leucokinin-like neurohormones. Immunostaining was done at various stages of development, using an antiserum to leucokinin IV. Bilateral pairs of neurosecretory cells in abdominal ganglia 3–7 of larvae and adults are immunoreactive; these cells project via the ipsilateral ventral nerves to the neurohemal transverse nerves. The immunoreactivity and size of these lateral cells greatly increases in the pharate adult, and this change appears to be related to a period of intensive diuresis occurring a few days before adult eclosion. Relationships of these neurons to cells that are immunoreactive to a M. sexta diuretic hormone were also investigated. Diuretic hormone and leucokinin immunoreactivity are co-localized in the lateral neurosecretory cells and their neurohemal projections. A median pair of leucokinin-immunoreactive, and a lateral pair of diuretic hormone-immunoreactive neurons in the larval terminal abdominal ganglion project to neurohemal release sites within the cryptonephridium. The immunoreactivity of these cells is lost as the cryptonephridium is eliminated during metamorphosis. This loss appears to be related to the change from the larval to adult pattern of diuresis.     

On the neurosecretory system of Dendrobaena atheca Cernosvitov

Four kinds of neurosecretory cells A, B, U and C are distinguished in the central nervous system of Dendrobaena atheca Cernosvitov. A cells, which show different morphological characteristics under different physiological states and during their cyclic changes, are the most active neurosecretory cells. They form the outer layer of the cortical cell zone in the cerebral ganglion. B cells are large and medium sized and are distributed in all parts of the central nervous system. U cells are found only in the sub-pharyngeal ganglion while C cells are distributed in the sub-pharyngeal as well as in the ventral nerve cord ganglion. The number and secretory activity of C cells decrease in caudal direction. Further, Gomori-positive cells are also observed in the ganglia of the vegetative nervous system. A rudimentary neurohaemal organ, the storage zone, has been observed in the cerebral ganglion and there appears to be another neurohaemal area in the ventral nerve cord ganglion. The storage zone is formed by the terminal ends of the axons of A cells. The chrome alum haematoxylin phloxin (CHP) and aldehyde fuchsin (AF) positive substances in the form of granules are found in this area. The cerebral ganglion is richly supplied by blood capillaries. The distal end of the axons of B cells are swollen like a bulb while in some cases the axons are united to form an axonal tract. Extra-cellular material is abundant in different parts of the nervous system. In all cell types, the perinuclear zone is the first to show activity in the secretory cycle. It appears that the nucleus may be involved in the elaboration of the neurosecretory material in the cells.     

A histochemical study of the cells of the ventral cord ganglia of the horseshoe crab,Limulus polyphemus (L.)

Summary The ventral cord ganglia of the horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus, contains six distinct cell types: three appear to be ordinary neurons and three exhibit the staining affinities of neurosecretory cells.The presumed neurosecretory cells have been termed neurosecretory cell I (NSC I), NSC II and NSC III. NSC I cells contain a colloid-like inclusion which may occur as a single small vacuole or occupy more than one-half of the cell volume. Colloid inclusions occur with greater frequency toward the periphery, although small cells of similar staining affinity occur in cords extending to the fibrous core. The histochemical tests suggest that the cytoplasm is positive for proteins, but contains no strong acidic groups which may have been derived from S-S or S-H groups. The presence of carbohydrate is also indicated.NSC II cells exhibit distinct secretory cycles. Early in the cycle the cytoplasm becomes phloxinophilic and progresses to a distinct fuchsinophilic stage. Small homogeneous irregular inclusions are found in the axon hillock during the latter stages of the cycle. Histochemical tests suggest the presence of a carbohydrate and strong acidic groups which may have been derived from S-S or S-H groups. There are small cells present which appear to be immature neurosecretory cells.NSC III cells are characterized by a perinuclear ring of cytoplasm which is stained by chrome alum hematoxylin but not by paraldehyde fuchsin. A secretory cycle may also be present in this cell type.The three cell types presumed to be ordinary neurons exhibit no particular staining affinity for the stains or tests used in this study.This study was supported in part by a grant from the Central Fund for Research of the Pennsylvania State University.     

Aspects histologique,histochimique et ultrastructural des péricaryones neurosécréteurs latéraux du protocérébron de Locusta migratoria migratorioides (Insecte: Orthoptère)

Résumé L'étude histologique, histochimique et ultrastructurale des péricaryones neurosécréteurs latéraux de Locusta précise leur nombre et leur localisation. Elle révèle que le neurosécrétat latéral est semblable morphologiquement (forme et diamètre des granules élémentaires) au neurosécrétat A de la pars intercerebralis. Cependant, il en diffère histochimiquement par la présence d'une composante glucidique. Elle confirme l'hypothèse émise pour les péricaryones neurosécréteurs de la pars intercerebralis (Girardie et Girardie, 1967), de l'unicité cellulaire chez Locusta des types A et B selon la nomenclature de Johansson (1958). Elle suggère que les péricaryones latéraux pourraient être des cellules neurosécrétrices très actives.

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Histological, histochemical and ultrastructural aspects of the lateral neurosecretory cells of the protocerebrum in Locusta migratoria migratorioides (insect: orthoptera)

Summary The number (8 to 12) and position of the lateral neurosecretory cells have been established in Locusta by a histological, histochemical and ultrastructural study. The neurosecretory material of the lateral cells contains glycoprotein and is, in this way, histochemically different from medial A cells neurosecretory material. However, the morphological aspect (shape, diameter) of elementary dense core vesicles in the lateral and medial A neurosecretory cells is similar. This study confirms the idea (Girardie and Girardie, 1967) that, in Locusta, A cells and B cells (Johansson, 1958) are in fact two physiological aspects of one cell type. It also suggests that the lateral cells could be very active neurosecretory cells.

     

Observations on the nature of neurosecretion in the marine crab Portunus sanguinolentus (Herbst) (Crustacea: Brachyura)

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.     

Neurosecretion in the basommatophoran snail Bulinus truncatus (Gastropoda,Pulmonata)

Summary The neurosecretory system of the freshwater snail Bulinus truncatus was investigated. With the Alcian blue-Alcian yellow (AB/AY) staining method at least 10 different types of neurosecretory cells (NSC) were distinguished in the ganglia of the central nervous system. The differences in staining properties of the NSC — with AB/AY the cells take on different shades of green and yellow — are borne out at the ultrastructural level: the NSC types contain different types of neurosecretory elementary granules.The neurosecretory system of B. truncatus is compared to that of Lymnaea stagnalis, the species which has received the most attention among the pulmonates. It appears from the comparison that the systems of both species show many similarities, although some differences are also apparent.     

Evolution de la radioactivité des cellules neurosécrétrices de la pars intercerebralis chez Locusta migratoria migratorioides (Insecte Orthoptère) après injection de cystéine S35

Résumé Après injection de cystéine S³⁵, les cellules A, B, C et les neurones banaux de la pars intercerebralis chez Locusta (femelles immatures et mûres) sont radioactifs. Le taux d' incorporation de la cystéine S³⁵ dans les cellules B est identique chez toutes les femelles et il est légèrement supérieur à celui des neurones banaux. Ces résultats confirment l'inactivité sécrétoire protéique des cellules B. Les cellules C incorporent 3 à 5 fois plus de cystéine S³⁵ que les neurones banaux. Elles synthétisent donc une ou plusieurs protéines contenant de la cystéine ce qui réaffirme leur activité neurosécrétrice chez Locusta. Les cellules A possèdent le taux d'incorporation de cystéine S³⁵ le plus élevé: 5 à 8 fois celui des neurones banaux.Chez toutes les femelles, les cellules A synthétisent plus de neurosécrétion et en éliminent proportionellement plus que les cellules C. La neurosécrétion A est élaborée sous sa forme figurée plus rapidement (30 min) que la neurosécrétion C (60 min). Le renouvellement de la neurosécrétion A est donc quantitativement plus important et plus rapide que celui de la neurosécrétion C. Chez les femelles immatures, les cellules A et C synthétisent plus de matériel et en éliminent proportionnellement plus que chez les femelles mûres. Le temps nécessaire à l'élaboration et à la vidange des grains de neurosécrétion A est identique chez toutes les femelles. Il en est de même pour le matériel C. Le renouvellement des neurosécrétions A et C est donc plus important chez les femelles immatures que chez les femelles mûres mais il n'est pas plus rapide. L'accumulation du matériel fuchsinophile dans les cellules A et C lors de la maturation ovarienne correspond à une réduction de leur fonction neurosécrétrice: elle résulte d'une diminution de l'activité d'élimination des cellules neurosécrétrices A et C supérieure à l'affaiblissement de leur activité de synthèse.

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Evolution of the radioactivity of the neurosecretory cells of pars intercerebralis in Locusta migratoria migratorioides (insect orthoptera) after injection of ³⁵S-cysteineAn autoradiographic study by optical and electronic microscopy

Summary After injection of ³⁵S-cysteine, the A, B, C cells and the ordinary neurones of pars intercerebralis in Locusta — immature and mature females — are radioactive. The rate of incorporation of ³⁵S-cysteine into the B cells is the same for all the females, and it is slightly higher than the rate of incorporation of ³⁵S-cysteine into the ordinary neurones. These results demonstrate the proteinic secretory inactivity of the B cells. The C cells incorporate 3 to 5 times more ³⁵S-cysteine than ordinary neurones. Thus, the C cells synthesize one protein or several proteins with cysteine; this observation confirms their neurosecretory activity in Locusta. The A cells have the highest rate of incorporation of ³⁵S-cysteine: 5 to 8 times the one of ordinary neurones.In all the females, the A cells produce and release proportionally more neurosecretion than the C cells. The production of granules is faster in A cells (30 min) than in C cells (60 min). The turnover of the A neurosecretion is consequently higher and quicker than the C neurosecretion. In immature females, the A and C cells synthesize and release proportionally more material than in mature females. The time necessary for production and release of the A neurosecretion is the same for all the females. It is so for the C material. The turnover of the A and C neurosecretions is thus more important in immature females than in mature females but it is not more rapid. The accumulation of stainable neurosecretory material in A and C cells at the time of ovarian maturation is associated with a reduction of their neurosecretory activity: it is due to a decrease of the rate of release of the A and C cells being more important than their rate of production.

     

Adrenergic neurons in the spinal cord of the pike (Esox lucius) and their relation to the caudal neurosecretory system

Summary The lower spinal cord including the caudal neurosecretory system of the pike (Esox lucius) was investigated by means of light and electron microscopy and also with the fluorescence histochemical method of Falck and Hillarp for the visualization of monoamines. A system of perikarya displaying a specific green fluorescence of remarkably high intensity is disclosed in the basal part of the ventrolateral and lateral ependymal lining of the central canal. The area corresponding to the upper half of the urophysis has most cells; their number decreases caudally and cranially. A considerable number of their beaded neurites reach the neurosecretory neurons by different routes but are only occasionally present in the actual neurohemal region. An intensely fluorescent dendritic process is sometimes observed terminating with a bulbous enlargement at the ependymal surface in the central canal. Besides small, electron lucid vesicles in the terminal parts of the axons, the neurons contain numerous large dense-core vesicles which can apparently take up and store 5-hydroxydopa (5-OH-dopa) and 5-hydroxydopamine (5-OH-DA). These neurons are thought to be adrenergic and to contain a primary catecholamine, possibly noradrenaline.The varicosities of the adrenergic terminals are repeatedly observed contiguous to some of the neurosecretory axons, the membrane distance at places of contacts generally ranging from 150–200 Å. Another type of nerve terminals that contain only small empty vesicles, also after pretreatment with 5-OH-dopa or 5-OH-DA, are frequent among the neurosecretory neurons. These axons establish synaptic contacts with membrane thickenings on most of the neurosecretory neurons. Thus it seems that the neurosecretory neurons are innervated by neurons morphologically similar to cholinergic neurons and that part of them receive an adrenergic innervation, which supports the view hat the caudal neurosecretory cells do not constitute a functionally homogeneous population.Supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft and the Joachim-Jungius Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Wissenschaften, Hamburg.Supported by the Swedish Natural Research Council (No. 99-35). This work was in part carried out within a research organization sponsored by the Swedish Medical Research Council (Projects No. B70-14X-56-06 and B70-14X-712-05).Supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft and USPHS Research Grant TW 00295-02.     

Monoamines in the nervous system of the tube-wormChaetopterus variopedatus (Polychaeta): Biochemical detection and serotonin immunoreactivity

Summary The presence and distribution of biogenic monoamines in the tube-wormChaetopterus variopedatus were investigated by a radioenzymatic method and HPLC with electrochemical detection, and the cellular localization of serotonin by peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) immunohistochemistry with an antibody against serotonin-formaldehyde-protein conjugate. Dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, serotonin (5-HT) and some of their metabolites were detectable, dopamine and norepinephrine being present in substantially larger amounts than 5-HT and epinephrine. With few exceptions, the largest amounts of amines were localized in the most nerve-rich tissues such as tentacles, and those containing cerebral ganglia and the ventral nerve cord. Serotonin-immunoreactive unipolar neurons were widely distributed in the dorso-lateral cerebral ganglia, the neurosecretory pharyngeal ganglion and the segmental ganglia of the anterior (dorsolateral) and posterior (medioventral) nerve cords. Some nerve-fiber tracts stained in the cerebral ganglia, but the neuropiles of segmental ganglia were the most intensely reactive CNS structures. Numerous reactive fibers were also present in connectives, commissures and segmental nerves. All peripheral sensory structures included serotonin-immunoreactive cells and neurites, especially the parapodial cirri and the bristle receptors of the setae. Trunk and parapodial muscles contained reactive varicose fibers and neuronal somata. These results suggest that monoamines are abundant and widespread in these worms and that 5-HT appears to have a key sensory role.     

Neurosecretory centers from the eyestalk of Siriella armata M. Edw. (Crustacea: Mysidacea): ultrastructural variations during normal and experimentally inhibited molt cycle

Summary The ultrastructure of the medulla interna-medulla externa X-organ (MI-ME Xo)-sinus gland (SG) complex in the eyestalk of Siriella armata is described during the normal and the experimentally inhibited molt cycle. In the normal SG, four types of neurosecretory axon terminals, each containing distinguishable neurosecretory granules, can be described. Thus, type-2 granules are synthesized by G1 neurons forming the MI-ME Xo. The cell bodies and axonal endings of these cells in the sinus gland have been examined at the following molt stages: intermolt (stage C4), premolt (D0 and D2), and postmolt (A1, A2 and B). Changes in ultrastructure of the G1 cells have been monitored and correlated to inhibitions of the molt-and reproductive cycle produced by electrocauterization of the MI-ME Xo. The results obtained suggest that the neurosecretion from the G1 cells exerts a positive influence on molt and brood preparation. The occurrence of a distal group of G1 cells whose axons terminate at a different site from the SG suggests that the neural factors of the MI-ME Xo are diverse and control different physiological activities.     

Release of neurosecretory material by protrusions of bounding membranes extending through the axolemma,in Diphyllobothrium dendriticum (Cestoda)

Summary The release of neurosecretory material was studied in the cestode tapeworm Diphyllobothrium dendriticum. In plerocercoid larvae cultivated in vitro the neurosecretory vesicles release their content by way of protrusions extending through the axolemma into the intercellular space. The released material is directed predominantly towards the muscles. No omega figures were detected. The significance of this new type of release is discussed.The authors are greatly indebted to Mrs. Annukka Kärkkäinen and Mr. Esa Nummelin for technical assistance     

Evidence for corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) synthesis in the preoptic nucleus of Xenopus laevis tadpoles

Summary For the study of the hypothalamo-hypophysial system of Xenopus laevis tadpoles, hypothalamic lesions were made by means of the electrocoagulation technique. Lesioning of the ventral region of the preoptic nucleus resulted in a decrease of the number of ACTH cells in the pars distalis of the pituitary gland and in a diminution of the PAS-positive reaction of these cells. In addition, regeneration of the neurosecretory cells of the ventral region of the preoptic nucleus observed 6 weeks after lesioning was accompanied by the reappearance of normal PAS-positive ACTH cells in the pars distalis. It is suggested that the neurosecretory cells of the ventral region of the preoptic nucleus of Xenopus laevis tadpoles are related to the ACTH synthesizing cells, probably by producing CRF.Dedicated to Prof. Dr. med. W. Bargmann on the occasion of his 70th birthdayThe authors thank Prof. Dr. J.C. van de Kamer for his interest, Prof. Dr. P.G.W.J. van Oordt for his many helpful comments, and Messrs. H. van Kooten, E. van der Vlist, J.J. van der Vlis and M.C.A. van Pinxteren for preparing the illustrations     

The ultrastructure of the sinus gland of Carcinus maenas (Crustacea: Decapoda)

Summary The sinus gland of Carcinus maenas consists of the swollen axonal endings of the neurosecretory cells of the major ganglia and acts as a storage release centre for the membrane bound neurosecretory material. These neurosecretory granules fall into five different types based on size and electron density. Their contents are released by exocytosis of the primary granules or smaller units budded from the primary granules.I thank Professor E. Naylor for his constant advice and Professor E. W. Knight-Jones, Department of Zoology, University College, Swansea, for the provision of laboratory facilities. I am grateful to the Science Research Council for the financial support. Finally, I thank the Electron Microscope Unit, Southampton General Hospital, where the work was completed.     

Anatomy of the neurosecretory cells in the cerebral and subesophageal ganglia of the female European corn borer moth,Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

The anatomy of the neurosecretory cells in the brain-subesophageal ganglion complex of female European corn borer moth Ostrinia nubilalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) was studied using histological and cobalt backfilling techniques. Histological staining revealed the presence of 2 median and one lateral neurosecretory cell groups in the brain. These brain neurosecretory cells are made up of mainly type A cells with a few type B cells in the median group. Three type C neurosecretory cell clusters occupy the apparent mandibular, maxillary, and labial neuromeres at the ventral median aspect of the subesophageal ganglion. Axonal pathways of the neurosecretory cell groups were delineated by retrograde cobalt filling from the corpora cardiaca. Fibers of the 3 brain neurosecretory cell groups merged to form a distinct axonal tract that exits the brain via the fused nervi corporis cardiaci-1 + 2. Cobalt backfilling from the corpora cardiaca filled 4 groups of cell bodies in the subesophageal ganglion. The presence in the subesophageal ganglion of extensive dendritic arborizations derived from the brain suggests interactions between neurosecretory cell groups in the 2 head ganglia.     

Neurosecretory cell types in the eyestalk of the freshwater prawn Palaemon paucidens

Summary In the medulla terminalis ganglionic X-organ (MTGX) of the eyestalk of the freshwater prawn, Palaemon paucidens, six peptidergic neuro-secretory cell types (A-, B-, C-, D-, E-, and F-cells) are distinguishable on the basis of the different morphology of their elementary granules and rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER). All of these cell types seem to correspond to Type-IIIa cells or dispersing Type-IV cells, that have previously been differentiated at the light microscopic level (Hisano, 1974), as judged from the dimensions of their cell bodies and nuclei. Two other peptidergic neurosecretory cell types that are apparently comparable to the Type-II and Type-IIIb cells (Hisano, 1974), respectively, are recognized in parts of the optic ganglia other than MTGX, and these are now designated as Gand H-cells, respectively. All the remaining cell types, designated as Type-I, cluster-forming Type-IV, Type-V and Type-VI cells in our previous light microscopic study, have small cored-vesicles in their cytoplasm. It remains undecided whether these, possibly aminergic, neurons are neurosecretory or not.The author wishes to express his sincere appreciation to Prof. T. Aoto for his invaluable advice during the course of this study.     

A comparative ultrastructural and physiological study on melanophores of wild-type and periodic albino mutants of Xenopus laevis

Summary The central and visceral nervous systems of the cockroach Periplaneta americana were studied by means of the peroxidase-antiperoxidase immunocytochemical method, with the use of antibody to bovine pancreatic polypeptide (PP). PP-like immunoreactive neuron somata are most numerous in the brain; at least 6 pairs of cell groups occur in clearly defined regions. Three pairs of cells each are also present in the suboesophageal ganglion and the thoracic ganglia, one pair of a single cell each in the first abdominal and the frontal ganglia, and 4 to 6 pairs of single cells in the terminal ganglion. No reactive cells were found in the retrocerebral complex and the second to the fifth abdominal ganglia. The axons containing PP-like immunoreactivity issue many branches that are distributed in the entire brain-retrocerebral complex, ventral cord, and visceral nervous system. PP-like immunoreactive material produced in the brain seems to be transported by three routes: protocerebrum to corpora cardiaca (-allata) through the nervi corporis cardiaci, tritocerebrum to visceral nervous system through frontal commissures, and to ventral cord through circumoesophageal connectives.A possible homology between the mammalian brain-GEP (gastro-enteropancreatic) system and the brain-midgut system of this insect is discussed.     

The reaction of the preoptic nucleus of Xenopus laevis tadpoles to osmotic stimulation

Summary The development of the preoptic nucleus of Xenopus laevis tadpoles during metamorphosis was studied and the effect of osmotic stimulation on this process investigated. The development of this region was not affected by treatment for one or more days in hypertonic media. It was found that at the end of metamorphosis the neurosecretory cells in the preoptic nucleus are localized in three regions: the rostro-dorsal, the caudo-dorsal and the ventral region. After osmotic stimulation only the neurosecretory cells of the caudo-dorsal region appeared to have reacted, as indicated by their loss of neurosecretory (PIC positive) material. It is concluded that the cells of this region may be involved in the synthesis of the posterior lobe hormones.The author thanks Prof. Dr. J. C. van de Kamer and Dr. F. C. G. van de Veerdonk for their interest and many helpful discussions, Dr. L. Boomgaart and Dr. A. P. van Overbeeke for correcting the English text and Miss C. M. G. van Bemmel for technical assistance.     

Some histochemical reactions on the neurosecretory cells of Rivulogammarus syriacus chevreux (Crustacea, Amphipoda).

The histochemistry of neurosecretory material in neurosecretory cells of Rivulo-gammarus syriacus has been investigated. Histochemically, these cells contain different neurosecretory substances. The material in A and C cells consists of mucopolysaccharides and lipids, that in B, B' and D cells there are a protein containing cystine S-S group, mucopolysaccharides and lipids, and that in E cell contains a weak protein with cystine S-S group, a substance showing beta metachromasia and lipids. The lipids are found in all the cells.     

The juxtaligamental cells of Ophiocomina nigra (Abildgaard) (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea) and their possible role in mechano-effector function of collagenous tissue

Summary The intervertebral ligament of the brittlestar Ophiocomina nigra contains numerous cellular processes which belong to perikarya located on the outer surfaces of the ligament. These are described as the juxtaligamental cells and have been studied by light and electron microscopy. The cells are mainly concentrated in four pairs of ganglion-like nodes associated with the intervertebral ligament and in similar nodes adjacent to every other major connective tissue component of the arm. Although their histochemistry and ultrastructure indicate a neurosecretory function, they are anomalous in containing unusually large electron-dense granules probably associated with calcium. The ganglion-like nodes are innervated by hyponeural nerves, though synaptic contacts with the juxtaligamental cells have yet to be demonstrated.The function of the cells is discussed and it is suggested that they may be involved in the rapid loss of tensile strength which the intervertebral ligament sustains during arm autotomy. They may achieve this by controlling the availability of Ca²⁺ ions to the extracellular compartment of the ligament.A version of this paper was read at the U.K.-Eire Echinoderms Colloquium, Bedford College, London, in July 1978This work was conducted mainly at University Marine Biological Station, Millport, during tenure of a N.E.R.C. research studentship. I am grateful to Professor N. Millott for his keen supervision, to Professor D.R. Newth for permission to use the electron microscope in the Department of Zoology, University of Glasgow, where Maureen Gardner provided expert assistance, and to Professor R.M. Kenedi for Facilities in the University of Strathclyde. I have benefited from discussion with J.L.S. Cobb, V.W. Pentreath, and especially A.M. Raymond, University of St. Andrews, who allowed me to mention his unpublished observations.