Endocrinology of Polychaete Reproduction and Sexual Development

Abstract

The endocrinology of Nereids, though the most thoroughly investigated, cannot in its hormonal pattern be generalized for all Polychaetes. Gonadotropic principles seem to be more widespread among the species of this class. Considering the diversity of results, it is almost impossible to generalize the present knowledge on polychaete endocrinology. However, there seem to exist at least three different situations: (a) the nereid inhibitory system in monotelic epitokous species, where caudal regeneration depends on brain hormone; (b) a gonadotropic activity of brain hormone(s) in polytelic species, where caudal regeneration does not depend on brain hormone, and (c) the syllid inhibitory system which simultaneously seems to govern sexual differentiation. © 1978 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.