The caudal neurosecretory system of Poecilia sphenops (Poeciliidae).

Abstract

The caudal neurosecretory system of the molly, Poecilia sphenops (Poeciliidae) was studied by light and electron microscopy. In this species the cell bodies form a focal nuclear group in the caudal spinal cord. The neurosecretory cells are in contact with glial elements, axon terminals, and the lumen of the central canal. The axons of the neurosecretory cells form a definitive tract, which leaves the spinal cord proper to penetrate a well defined neurohemal organ, the urophysis. The urophysis contains an abundance of neurosecretory granules within the neurosecretory axonal processes. This study is the first ultrastructural study of the caudal neurosecretory system in this family of fishes, which has been used as a neuroendocrine model. This species acclimates easily to the laboratory aquarium and may be most suitable for further studies on the effects of changes in external salinity on the caudal neurosecretory system.