ISSN:
1432-0878
Keywords:
Regeneration
;
Nerve cells
;
Neurosecretion
;
Hydra
;
Electron microscopy
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary Major ultrastructural changes in neurons were studied during sequential periods of hypostomal regeneration in Hydra. Some neurons remain unaffected except that at certain periods following amputation, they become more active in neurosecretory production. Other neurons in various stages of differentiation were also observed. Most emphasis was placed on degenerating neurons showing a loss of organelles and destruction of the perikarya. Certain large, membrane-bounded structures (up to 1.7 μ in diameter) suggested tentatively to be of a lysosomal-like nature, may be partly responsible for the degenerative process. The neurites of these cells first assume a beaded appearance and/or contain bulbous endings. The eventual isolated fragments of neurites contain typical membrane-bounded neurosecretory droplets (850/1700 Å in diameter) which disintegrate forming particulate materials (350 Å in diameter). Following complete disruption of the neurites, some of the granules accumulate in the extracellular spaces before they are disintegrated. From the data presented in this and the preceding paper, it is suggested that these particles, derived from neurosecretory droplets, may be responsible for the stimulation of: 1) interstitial cell differentiation into neurons, 2) the increased activity in neurosecretory production in normal cells, 3) the conspicuous increase in neurite length and consequently the exaggerated degree of anastomosis, and 4) the possible capacity of neurons to regenerate neurites.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00222172
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