Spawning of Starfish: Action of Gamete-Shedding Substance Obtained from Radial Nerves

Abstract

An extract of the radial nerves of the starfish, Asterias amurensis, acts on the ovary in two ways: it induces meiosis and brings on spawning. Contraction of the gonadal wall, the, driving force for spawning, does not happen until this gamete-shedding substance acts to liberate the eggs that adhere to each other or to the inner surface of the gonadal wall.