The development of mesocerebral neurons in the snail Helix aspersa maxima

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Abstract
The neurons in the right mesocerebrum of Helix aspersa participate in the control of sexual behaviour. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between reproductive development and the development of mesocerebral neurons. The growth of right mesocerebral neurons was quantified by intracellular filling cells with hexamminecobalt chloride. It was found that the peak growth phase of the neurites preceded the peak growth phase of the penis by about 4 weeks. Comprehensive measurements from sectioned material showed that postembryonic growth in three regions of the brain was expressed as increases in soma diameters but not in neuron numbers. The rate of growth of neurons in the right mesocerebrum was significantly greater than that of neurons in the left mesocerebrum and the right postcerebrum. Ablations of the penis and dart sac did not affect the development of right mesocerebral neurons. Thus, no evidence was obtained for a trophic influence of the peripheral reproductive organs on the mesocerebrum.

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