Journal of Cell Science, Vol 5, 699-726, Copyright © 1969 by Company of Biologists

Submitted on February 17, 1969

Differentiation of Neurosensory Cells in Hydra

¹ Department of Zoology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13210, U.S.A.

The differentiation of neurosensory cells in Hydra has been studied at the level of the electron microscope. These cells arise from interstitial cells (undifferentiated cells) and not from pre-existing nerve cells. Furthermore, there is no evidence to suggest that neurosensory cells represent a stage in the development of other nerve cells, i.e. ganglionic and neurosecretory cells. Major cytoplasmic changes in fine structure during differentiation include development of a cilium and associated structures (basal body, basal plate, rootlets), development of microtubules and at least two neurites, increase in Golgi lamellae and formation of dense droplets typical of neurosecretory droplets, structural variations in mitochondria and a decrease in the number of ribosomes. Granular endoplasmic reticulum is characteristically poorly developed in all stages of differentiation, including the mature neurosensory cell. Nuclear and nucleolar changes also occur during differentiation but these are less dramatic than the cytoplasmic events.

The possibility of neurosensory cells being bi- or multiciliated and the presence of intercellular bridges between these cells are considered. The function of neurosensory cells is discussed briefly in relation to the function of the cilium and neurosecretory droplets.