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Biol Bull 166: 583-593. (June 1984)
© 1984 Marine Biological Laboratory
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LUMINESCENCE CONTROL IN THE TUBE-WORM CHAETOPTERUS VARIOPEDATUS: ROLE OF NERVE CORD AND PHOTOGENIC GLAND

NORMAND MARTIN 1 and MICHEL ANCTIL 1

1 Département de sciences biologiques, Université de Montréal, Montréal H3C 3J7, Québec, Canada

Electrical and mechanical stimulation of the parapodial epidermis of Chaetopterus variopedatus evoked luminescence which was propagated only slightly to adjacent ipsilateral, but not to contralateral, parapods. In contrast, electrical stimulation of the highly modified aliform notopods led to propagation of luminescence through the entire body. Above a critical stimulus threshold, stimulation of the ventral nerve cord at any level evoked luminescence which was through-conducted. Only stimulation of the cerebral ganglia could bring about an orderly antero-posterior sequence of luminescence propagation. Discharges of nerve cord impulses invariably preceded the onset of spontaneous or electrically stimulated luminescence, and the propagation of both activities was interrupted by section of the nerve cord. Mechanical stimulation of parapods also evoked impulses at the corresponding level in the nerve cord. A large photogenic gland lying on the dorso-median surface of the 10-12th segments was refractory to electrical and mild mechanical stimulation, but responded by releasing large amounts of luminescent mucus after rupture of its epithelium. Mechanical agitation of the tube was quickly followed by the ejection of a cloud of luminescent mucus through one end, and readjustment of the worm's position to the other end of the tube. Epithelial luminescent activities are coordinated by the ventral nerve cord and luminescent discharges from the photogenic gland appear to be associated with defensive and tube cleaning activities.

Submitted on October 13, 1983
Accepted on March 27, 1984




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K. J. Osborn, G. W. Rouse, S. K. Goffredi, and B. H. Robison
Description and Relationships of Chaetopterus pugaporcinus, an Unusual Pelagic Polychaete (Annelida, Chaetopteridae)
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[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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Copyright © 1984 by the Marine Biological Laboratory.