Neurohormonal integration of osmotic and ionic regulation

Abstract

There is evidence in crustaceans that neuroendocrine centers, including the eyestalk, brain, thoracic ganglionic mass, and pericardial organ, produce factors that affect osmotic and ionic regulation. Understanding of the processes responsible for osmotic adjustment in the intact animal, such as regulation of permeability, active uptake of ions, and respiratory and cardiovascular alterations, has increased substantially in the past few years. However, interaction of neuroendocrine factors with the target tissues and systems is just beginning to be investigated. There is evidence that content of lipids and activity of enzymes are important in osmoregulation, and neuroendocrine effects on these metabolic processes are worthy of study. In addition, there are some crustaceans in which osmoregulatory ability varies developmentally. Further investigations of such animals is also necessary. Progress in our understanding of neuroendocrine influences on osmoregulation depends upon further purification of active factors from neuroendocrine centers and hemolymph, and upon development of appropriate assays on which to test them. © 1985 the American Society of Zoologists.