Insect mucosubstances. II. The mucosubstances of the central nervous system

Synopsis The glycosaminoglycans of the glial lacunar system and neural lamella of cockroach and locust ganglia have been characterized histochemically, using primarily Alcian Blue binding methods at various pH levels and salt concentrations, the periodic acid-Schiff test together with recent modifications, the high iron diamine test, and enzymatic digestions. The results suggest the presence of hyaluronic acid in the glial lacunar system and of a mixture of chondroitin and dermatan sulphates, together with keratan sulphate in the neural lamella. The significance of the presence of these substances in the central nervous system of insects is discussed.