Ultrastructural analysis of the action of reserpine on the brain neuroendocrine system of the wax moth, Galleria mellonella L., Lepidoptera.

This study concerns the influence of reserpine on the fine structure of peptidergic neurosecretory cells in the pars intercerebralis of Galleria mellonella, and of neurons containing smaller dense-cored vesicles (presumed to be aminergic) localized in the same area of the brain. The drug, administered in doses of 125 microgram and 250 microgram per g of insect body weight, reduces both the amount and the electron opacity of the dense-cored vesicles with a diameter of 60--80 nm in the neuronal perikarya as well as their terminals. Simultaneously, this treatment evokes an abnormal accumulation of secretory granules within the perikarya of peptidergic neurosecretory cells belonging to three types. This accumulation of secretory material is followed by some changes in the fine structure of these cells. One (fourth) type of neurosecretory cells seems to be insensitive to reserpine action. Participation of the aminergic system in the regulation of the secretory activity of some populations of peptidergic neurosecretory neurons of the insect brain is postulated.