Heterochronies in the formation of the nervous and digestive systems in early postlarval development of opisthobranch mollusks: Organization of major organ systems of the arctic dorid Cadlina laevis

摘要

For the first time using laser confocal microscopy and histochemical and immunocytochemical methods (detection of F-actine, catecholamines, acetylcholintransferase, substance P and FMRFamide) in combination with classical histological methods and electron microscopy of whole-mount preparations, the structure and patterns of formation of the nervous, muscular, and digestive systems in early postlarval development (from 2 days to 4 months) in the opisthobranch mollusk Cadlina laevis were studied. Heterochronies manifested in positive allometry of the sensory organs, ganglia of the central nervous system, and the pharyngeal region of the digestive system in relation to overall body size in juvenile specimens compared to adult animals were detected.