Regeneration of the radial nerve cord in the sea cucumber
Author Information
Author(s): San Miguel-Ruiz José E, Maldonado-Soto Angel R, García-Arrarás José E
Primary Institution: University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras
Hypothesis
Can the sea cucumber Holothuria glaberrima regenerate its radial nerve cord after transection?
Conclusion
Holothuria glaberrima can regenerate its radial nerve cord within a month, achieving a structure similar to the uninjured cord.
Supporting Evidence
- H. glaberrima can regenerate its radial nerve cord within a month following transection.
- The regenerated cord resembles the uninjured cord in morphology and cellular composition.
- Cellular events during regeneration include nerve fiber outgrowth and intense cellular division.
Takeaway
Sea cucumbers can heal their nerve cords after being cut, and they do it pretty quickly, like magic!
Methodology
The radial nerve cord was transected, and regeneration was analyzed over 28 days using histological techniques and immunohistochemistry.
Limitations
The study primarily focuses on one species and may not generalize to all echinoderms.
Participant Demographics
Holothuria glaberrima specimens, 10–16 cm long, collected from Puerto Rico.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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