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Journal of Experimental Biology 120,25-39 (1986)
Published by Company of Biologists 1986

Induction of Evisceration in the Holothurian Eupentacta Quinquesemita and Evidence for the Existence of an Endogenous Evisceration Factor

MARIA BYRNE ¹

¹ Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, B.C. Canada V8W 2Y2; Harbor Branch Institution, Route 1, Box 196, Fort Pierce, Florida 33450, U.S.A.

The stimuli provoking evisceration of Eupentacta quinquesemita (Selenka) and autotomy of isolated pharyngeal retractor muscle (PRM) tendons were investigated. Tendon autotomy is a two-part response involving PRM contraction and breakdown of tendon connective tissue. An evisceration factor (EF) was detected in coelomic fluid expelled during evisceration. EF was isolated in tissue extracts and the haemal system and peritoneum were sources of EF activity. Autotomy and evisceration were induced by electrical stimulation, K⁺ and EF, and the effect of these agents was inhibited by anaesthetics. The acetylcholine antagonist tubocurarine chloride elicited evisceration, suggesting that evisceration may involve inhibition of cholinergic transmission. Evisceration and autotomy appear to be neurally controlled and the presence of an endogenous EF suggests neurosecretory or hormonal activity. Cells involved in evisceration may be located at a distance from the autotomy tissues and effect connective tissue breakdown through the medium of the coelomic fluid. Hypothetical sequences of events and possible roles for EF are presented.

Key words: holothurian evisceration, autotomy, connective tissue, neural control

Accepted on August 12, 1985

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