Adrenergic nerves to the dermal melanophores of the rainbow trout,Salmo Gairdneri

Summary The stellate processes and cell bodies of the dermal melanophores in the rainbow trout are intimately enclosed by a plexus of thin varicose nerves which display a specific catecholamine fluorescence. The nerves contain probably small amounts of noradrenaline and have the ability to take up and concentrate this amine. Denervation of the skin leading to dispersion of the melanophores causes the nerves to disappear. The findings leave little doubt that the dermal chromatic motor nerves are adrenergic.This study was supported by a grant from the Swedish Research Council for Natural Sciences (99-35) and was carried out within a research organization sponsored by the Swedish Medical Research Council (Projects No. B69-14X-56-05C and No. B69-14X-712-04C).