Distribution of monoaminergic neurons in the nervous system of non-malacostracan crustaceans

Abstract

A comparative investigation of the distribution of monoaminergic neurons in non-malacostracan crustaceans was performed with the histochemical fluorescence method of Falck-Hillarp. Two fluorophores were found: the more widespread of the two emits a green fluorescence; and the more sparsely distributed emits a yellow to brown-yellow fluorescence. Specific green fluorescent areas were shown to exist in the protocerebrum. The central body and the optic ganglia of the compound eye (where present) are always fluorescent. Moreover, the centre of the nauplius eye may have a green fluorophore, as in ostracods, and a neuropile area, here called the frontal area. These neuropile centres are known from ordinary histological studies of the nervous system. In addition, there are specific monoaminergic centres, such as the so-called dorsal area of phyllopods and anostracans as well as the copepod specific areas. Specific monoaminergic areas appear in the deutocerebrum and the suboesophageal ganglion where they are particularly well developed. Presumed sensory neurons in the cavity receptor organ of Artemia saliva are shown to be monoaminergic. Monoaminergic sensory neurons have not been described previously in Arthropods. Presumed motor innervation of hind-gut and trunk muscles is also found, and it is concluded that in crustaceans neurons of every type (sensory, internuncial, motor) may be monoaminergic.