Innervation of iridic melanophores

Summary The nerve supply to the iridic melanophores of the rat was studied with the electron microscope. The adrenergic and cholinergic terminals were identified with the aid of 5-hydroxydopamine, which produces dense-cored 400–800 Å synaptic vesicles in adrenergic axon varicosities, whereas the synaptic vesicles of cholinergic axons remain empty. It was found that both adrenergic and cholinergic terminal axons come in close apposition (200–250 Å) with the melanophores. The appositions have the same appearance as synapses in peripheral tissues. It seems likely that the murine iridic melanophores have a double innervation, although its functional significance is obscure.This work has been supported by grants from Lunds Läkarsällskap, the Swedish Medical Research Council (Project no. B69-14X-2321-02 and B69-14X-712-04C) and NIH (06701-02).     

Micropropagation of iridaceae—a review

The Iridaceae contains many hundreds of attractive species that have been overlooked for horticultural development. The incredible variation in flower and leaf shape, size and colour suggest this little-tapped resource could offer great opportunities for developing new commercial ornamental products. Micropropagation has increasingly become a valuable tool assisting breeders to release new species and cultivars into the market more rapidly. Here we review the progress made in Iridaceae micropropagation genus by genus, and highlight the potential for future expansion in this field.