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Histochemical Localization of Amines in Hydra and in the Sea Anemone

Nature volume 201, pages 88–90 (1964)Cite this article

Abstract

SEVERAL investigators utilizing chemical techniques have identified neuropharmacological substances within coelenterates. Welsh1,2 has presented evidence for the presence of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and a number of quaternary ammonium compounds in the sea anemone and Hydra; 5-HT occurring in greatest concentration within the tentacles and acontia. Methias et al.3,4 identified 5-HT, histamine and other amines in the sea anemone as well as in Physalia. This worker found the highest concentration of 5-HT in the cœelenteric tissues, including the acontia, with relatively low concentration in the tentacles. These compounds were discussed as possible agents responsible for the toxicity within nematocysts of sea anemone tentacles; however, the exact histological localization of the substances was not presented. The present investigation concerns the histochemical localization of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and 5-HT in Hydra and the sea anemone.

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Author notes

  1. JOE G. WOOD

    Present address: Department of Anatomy, University of Arkanas Medical Center, Little Rock

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anatomy, Yale University of School of Medicine, New Haven, 11, Conn.

    JOE G. WOOD & THOMAS L. LENTZ

Authors
  1. JOE G. WOOD
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  2. THOMAS L. LENTZ
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WOOD, J., LENTZ, T. Histochemical Localization of Amines in Hydra and in the Sea Anemone. Nature 201, 88–90 (1964). https://doi.org/10.1038/201088b0

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