Catecholaminergic neurons in the brain of rotifers

Abstract

In 10 rotifer species from the subclasses Archeorotatoria (order Bdelloidea) and Eurotatoria (superorders Gnesiotrocha and Pseudotrocha) three patterns of catecholaminergic neurons are detected, namely: x-shaped, arch-shaped and ring-shaped. These brain complexes are developed independently and in a parallel fashion in different rotifer groups. The number of the brain catecholaminergic neurons varies from 6 to 11, constituting about 3-7% of the total number of the brain cells. The brain neuron pattern demonstrates a distinct bilateral symmetry.