ISSN:
1432-0878
Keywords:
Pigmentary system
;
Planaria
;
MIF
;
Hormonal regulation
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary The pigmentary system of the planaria, Dugesia gonocephala s.l. (Platyhelminthes, Turbellaria, Tricladida), consists of granules contained in chromatophore cells distributed in the parenchyma tissue. The administration of MSH release-Inhibiting Factor (M.I.F.) leads to an easily observable general decolouration of the animal due to the migration of the pigment granules towards the deeper-lying cell nucleus. In planarians bisected transversely through the pharyngeal region, the decolouration occurs only in the cephalic segment, and the caudal segment remains dark. When, however, the decapitated caudal segment regenerates a head region, a decolouration response occurs when exposed to M.I.F. The significance of these results is discussed, and an hypothesis on the hormonal regulation of the pigmentary system is proposed.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00236132
Permalink
