ISSN:
1432-041X
Keywords:
Hydra
;
Head regeneration
;
Morphogenetic substances
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Summary Hydra regenerating heads release at least two substances into the surrounding medium: one stimulates and one inhibits head formation. The inhibitor is released mainly during the first hour after cutting, the activator is released more slowly with a maximum in the second hour and with substantial release still during the following six hours. The release of both substances seems to be specific for head regeneration: it is not found in animals regenerating feet. The sequential release of these substances leads to the early changes observed at the cellular level during head regeneration inhydra: the inhibitor produces a decrease, the activator an increase in the mitotic activity of interstitial and epithelial cells, if assayed on intact animals. Head regeneration is blocked, if the release of the head activator is prevented. It is therefore suggested that these substances are necessary to initiate head regeneration inhydra.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00848775
