NEUROSECRETORY CELL TYPES AND THEIR SECRETORY ACTIVITY IN THE CRAYFISH ,

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Abstract
There are 4 cytologically distinct types of neurosecretory cells in the eye-stalk and brain of Orconectes virilis. Two of these neurosecretory cell types are restricted in their distribution to the X-organ while the other 2 types occur in all neurosecretory cell groups except the X-organ. Of the X-organ neurosecretory cells, only the Type 2 cells show histological changes in content of secretory material that can be correlated with the molting cycle. Approximately twice as many of these cells contain large droplets of aldehyde-fuchsin stainable material before molt than after molt. Since the X-organ is the only group of neurosecretory cells shown to be effective in the prevention of molt, it is suggested that the Type 2 neurosecretory cells are the source of the molt inhibiting hormone. The distribution of neurosecretory cell types in the crayfish is compared with that found in Sesarma by Enami.