Salinity induced cytosomal morphogenesis in the oyster Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin)

Abstract

1. 1. Lamellar transformations of cytosomes, DOPA decarboxylase and lateral ciliary activity were measured in neuronal elements and/or ctenidia of the oyster, Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin). 2. 2. Rapid salinity changes, exposure to light, hypoxic conditions and perfusion with EGTA (a calcium chelator) and A-23187 (a calcium releasing agent) increase lamellar transformations. 3. 3. This is accompanied by a decrease in decarboxylase and lateral ciliary activity. 4. 4. The magnitude of the cilioinhibition and decarboxylase activity is directly related to the number of secondary conversions, habitat and reacclimation salinities.