Neural pathways and innervation of cnidocytes in tentacles of sea anemones |
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Authors: | Westfall Jane A |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Kansas State University, 228 Coles Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA |
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Abstract: | Our previously published studies are here reviewed detailing neuro-cnidocyte synapses, demonstrating putative neurotransmitter
substances, and identifying complex neural pathways in sea anemones. Synapses were traced to their contacts on nematocytes
and spirocytes by transmission electron microscopy of serial thin sections of tentacles. In five animals, cells containing
microbasic p-mastigophores had synapses with clear vesicles, whereas cells containing basitrichous isorhizas had synapses with dense-cored
vesicles, providing preliminary evidence for a selectivity of neurotransmitter types for different nematocysts. Either clear
or dense-cored synaptic vesicles were also present at neuro-spirocyte contacts. Antho-RFamide immunoreactivity occurred in
some anthozoan synaptic vesicles and immunogold labeling of serotonin was found at a neuro-spirocyte synapse. Neural pathways
included direct innervation of spirocytes by sensory cells, sequential neuro-neuro-spirocyte and neuro-neuro-nematocyte synapses
and reciprocal synapses involving axons of both sensory cells and ganglion cells. Such synaptic patterns resemble neuro-effector
pathways found in higher animals and lay to rest the independent effector hypothesis for cnidocyte discharge in tentacles
of sea anemones. |
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Keywords: | Aiptasia pallida synapses nematocytes spirocytes neurotransmitters |
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