A SECRETORY ROLE FOR LIPID BODIES OF MOLLUSCAN NEURONS

The lipid bodies of neurons from the osphradia ganglion of the freshwater Snail Planorbarius corneus have been examined with the electron microscope. These lipid bodies show a variety of structural forms which have been interpreted as a cycle. Early stages consist of a single‐membraned sac enclosing cytoplasm similar in appearance to that of the general neuronal cytoplasm. Complicated systems of membrane lamellae and filaments develop with the membranes often being associated with oval areas of structureless material. The later stages of the cycle are dominated by this material. It seems probable that the structureless material is secreted by the membranes. The lipid bodies show a breakdown sequence when their contents pass into the neuronal cytoplasm. Remnant lipid bodies have been found which contain only fragments of membrane and a small number of filaments, with small areas of residual structureless material. A possible neurosecretory role is considered. Copyright © 1968 The Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology