Ref ID : 6569
Michael G. Jonz, Ekaterini Riga, A. Joffre Mercier, and John W. Potter; Effects of 5-HT (serotonin) on reproductive behaviour in Heterodera schachtii (Nematoda). Can.J.Zool. 79:1727-1732, 2001
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The effects of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT) on the reproductive behaviour of Heterodera schachtii was examined. Male and juvenile H. schachtii were incubated in 5-HT for 15 min. Stylet thrusting was stimulated by 10mM 5-HT, whereas 0.1 mM 5-HT was without effect. Prolonged treatment of males with 10 mM 5-HT induced eversion of the spicules and extrusion of materials from the reproductive tract. Treatment with 60 mM triethanolamine and Wright's stain indicated that extrusions did not contain spermatids or spermatozoa. We confirm the effects of 5-HT on reproductive behaviour and suggest that the stylet and pharynx may subserve a reproductive function during later life stages in H. schachtii.