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Journal of Experimental Biology 110,69-90 (1984)
Published by Company of Biologists 1984

Radial Symmetry and the Organization of Central Neurones in a Hydrozoan Jellyfish

A. N. SPENCER ¹ and S. A. ARKETT ¹

¹ Department of Zoology, The University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2E9

1. Two discrete networks of neurones in the outer nerve-ring of Polyorchis penicillatus can be identified by their physiological and morphological characteristics.

2. The ‘B’ system is characterized by the regular, spontaneous firing pattern that can be recorded intracellularly. Bursts of up to six spikes are produced in response to a rapid reduction in the light intensity.

3. Neurones of the ‘B’ system are electrically coupled to one another.

4. Action potentials in the ‘B’ system produce unitary EPSPs in swimming motor neurones and in epithelial cells overlying the outer nerve-ring.

5. Lucifer Yellow injected into a ‘B’ neurone diffuses rapidly through neighbouring neurones to reveal a condensed network of neurones in the centre of the nerve-ring and a more diffuse network passing up and around each tentacle.

6. The ‘O’ system is characterized by very regular (approx. 1 Hz), spontaneous membrane potential oscillations. Action potentials are never recorded.

7. Neurones of the ‘O’ system are electrically coupled to one another.

8. There is evidence of interaction between the ‘O’ system and swimming motor neurones.

9. Lucifer Yellow injected into an ‘O’ neurone diffuses through member neurones to show an anastomosing network of neurones extending across the width of the outer nerve-ring and tracts of neurones extending up the sides of each tentacle towards the ocelli.

10. The restriction of injected Lucifer Yellow to each of the networks and the blockade of interaction between systems by Mg²⁺ anaesthesia are evidence that signalling between different central networks is by chemical means.

11. The adaptive advantages of this type of functional organization of central neurones in radially symmetrical animals are discussed. Such an organization is compared with that found in bilateral animals.

Key words: Jellyfish, central neurones

Accepted on November 11, 1983

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