The relationship between lamellar-type cytosomes, DOPA decarboxylase, and lateral ciliary activity of the oyster Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin): Response to salinity change

Abstract

Lamellar transformations of cytosomes, DOPA decarboxylase and lateral ciliary activity were measured in neuronal components and/or ctenidia of the oyster, Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin). Prolonged exposure to light, anoxic conditions, EGTA (a calcium chelator), and exogenous perfusion of dopamine (a cilioinhibitory neurotransmitter) increases the frequency of lamellar type cytosomes. This is accompanied by decreases in enzymatic activity and a lateral cilioinhibition. Prolonged periods of darkness, electrical stimulation of the branchial nerve and exogenous perfusion of serotonin (a cilioexcitatory neurotransmitter) reduces the conversion of lamellar type configurations, increases enzymatic activity and produces a lateral cilioexcitation. Salinity changes that produce an increase to higher acclimation values result in a gradual decrease in the number of lamellar configurations with a subsequent increase in enzymatic activity and lateral cilioexcitation. The magnitude of the lateral cilioexcitation-cilioinhibition and decarboxylase activity is directly related to the number of lamellar conversions.