Lack of specific neurons in the ventral nerve cord for the control of prothoracic glands

Abstract

There is a distinct serial homology in the distribution of afferent neurons in different ventral ganglia of wax moth larvae. No neurons specific to the thoracic ganglia which innervate the prothoracic glands were found. 2 peptidergic cells in the suboesophageal and 4 such cells in the prothoracic ganglion probably send axons to the glands, but seem to release their secretion also at other sites. Specific control of prothoracic glands is possible providing that liberation of neurohormones is regulated at the axonal level.