The effects of certain drugs and biogenic substances on the melanophores of Fundulus heteroclitus L.

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Abstract
The effects upon the melanophores of Fundulus heteroclitus of 37 agents known to act upon the autonomic nervous system in mammals have been observed. Catechol amines and related substances caused aggregation of the melanin granules in vivo and in vitro. Substances blocking the sympathetic nervous system in mammals caused dispersion in Fundulus. No evidence of a cholinergic dispersing mechanism was found. The results confirm the presence of an adrenergic aggregating mechanism. Experiments with other biogenic substances did not yield conclusive results.