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First published online July 26, 2004
Journal of Experimental Biology 207, 3089-3098 (2004)
Published by The Company of Biologists 2004
doi: 10.1242/jeb.01145

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Peripheral innervation patterns and central distribution of fin chromatophore motoneurons in the cuttlefish Sepia officinalis

Michelle R. Gaston^* and Nathan J. Tublitz

Institute of Neuroscience, 1254 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-1254, USA

^* Author for correspondence (e-mail: gaston{at}uoneuro.uoregon.edu)

Accepted 17 June 2004

Body patterning behavior in unshelled cephalopod molluscs such as squid, octopuses, and cuttlefish is the ability of these animals to create complex patterns on their skin. This behavior is generated primarily by chromatophores, pigment-containing organs that are directly innervated by central motoneurons. The present study focuses on innervation patterns and location of chromatophore motoneurons in the European cuttlefish Sepia officinalis, specifically those motoneurons that control chromatophores of the fin. The fin is known to be innervated by the large, branching fin nerve. This study further characterizes the innervation of fin chromatophores by the fin nerve, generates a reference system for the location of fin nerve branches across individuals, and localizes the neurons whose axons innervate fin chromatophores through the fin nerve. Data from extracellular stimulation of fin nerve branches in intact animals demonstrate topographic innervation of fin chromatophores, while retrograde labeling data reveal the posterior subesophageal mass of the brain as the primary location of fin chromatophore motoneurons.

Key words: body patterning behavior, cephalopod, cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis, chromatophore, fin nerve, chromatophore motoneuron

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				N. J. Tublitz, M. R. Gaston, and P. K. Loi Neural regulation of a complex behavior: body patterning in cephalopod molluscs Integr. Comp. Biol., December 1, 2006; 46(6): 880 - 889. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]