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American Zoologist 1973 13(3):759-770; doi:10.1093/icb/13.3.759
© 1973 by The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology
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Caudal Neurosecretory System: A Physiologist's View

ALLAN BERLIND
Department of Biology, Wesleyan University Middletown, Connecticut 06457

Several active principles (urotensins) have been isolated from teleost caudal neurosecretory systems. The original classification of these substances has been recently modified: There are at least two mammalian hypotensive factors (with no effects yet known in fish), possibly two smooth muscle contractants, arginine vasotocin, and factors affecting Na+ movement. A factor affecting lymph heart frequency has not yet been compared with other peptides. Evidence for the hormonal nature of some of these substances includes subcellular localization in granules and calcium-dependent release by depolarization. The physiology of the system is still not clear. The best evidence for an osmoregulatory role includes effects of extracts on renal diuresis and Na+ movement and changes in firing rates of caudal neurosecretory neurons by altered ionic composition of the blood. Most other evidence is subject to alternative explanation. Several observations suggest a role for this system in reproduction.


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