C4-P-01Classification of Neurons in Major Ganglia ofPomacea canaliculata

Abstract

Pomacae canaliculata was an economic species in terms of food consumption in Thailand [1]. However, at present, this snail becomes a cause of major problems in agriculture as a wetland pest [2]. Therefore, a basic knowledge of the snail biology is crucial for an initial attempt to understand how the snail successfully survives and reproduces. The objective of the present study was to categorize types of neurosecretory (NS) cells in major ganglia of this invasive mollusk. Based on cell sizes, neurons in the cerebral, buccal, and pleuropedal ganglia were classified into four NS cell types: NS1-NS4. Sizes of the NS1-NS4 cells were approximately 15-20, 31-35, 50-55, and 70-87 μm, respectively. Cytoplasm of the NS1 cells contained medium NS granules located close to the nucleus. In contrast, the NR2 cells contained large NS granules, which were observed near the nucleus. In the NR3 cells, small NS granules were scattered in the cytoplasm. In addition, the NS4 cells contained medium NS granules, which were clumped at one pole of the cytoplasm. This result was corresponded to those of closely related species [3]. However, function of the NS cells must be determined in further studies. [1] Naylor R, Ambio 25 (1996) 443-448 [2] Esbenet AL and Martin, PR, Biocell 26 (2002) 83-89. [3] Thongkukiatkul A, Sobhon P, Upatham ES, Kruatrachue M, Wanichanon C, Chitramvong YP, Pumthong T, Journal of Shellfish Research 20 (2001) 733-741. Figure: NS1-NS4 in the ganglia C4-P-01 doi:10.1093/jmicro/dfv319