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Chromatophore motor fields in the squid, Lolliguncula brevis
G P Ferguson1, F M Martini, H M Pinsker
1Marine Biomedical Institute, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77550-2772.
The Journal of Experimental Biology
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Chromatophore motoneurones in the squid Lolliguncula brevis control distinct color fields. Stimulation revealed brown chromatophores across the mantle and yellow ones dorsally, with overlapping nerve fields innervating individual chromatophores.
Area of Science:
- Neurobiology
- Marine Biology
- Cephalopod Research
Background:
- Chromatophore motoneurones in Lolliguncula brevis originate in the suboesophageal brain lobes.
- These neurons project to the mantle and fin via stellate ganglia and fin nerves.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the chromatophore motor fields innervated by stellar and fin nerves.
- To map the distribution of yellow and brown chromatophore responses to nerve stimulation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a semi-intact preparation of Lolliguncula brevis.
- Stimulated the cut ends of individual stellar and fin nerves.
- Employed nerve stimulation combined with lesion experiments to determine motor field overlap.
Main Results:
- Stimulation elicited expansion of yellow and brown chromatophores in specific motor fields.
- Brown chromatophores were observed across the entire mantle.
- Yellow chromatophores were restricted to the dorsal and lateral mantle areas.
- Demonstrated substantial overlap between adjacent chromatophore motor fields.
- Showed that individual chromatophores can be innervated by different stellar nerves.
Conclusions:
- The study elucidates the distinct and overlapping innervation patterns of chromatophore motoneurones in Lolliguncula brevis.
- Findings contribute to understanding the neural control of color change in cephalopods.