INFLUENCE OF THE SINUSGLAND OF CRUSTACEANS ON NORMAL VIABILITY AND ECDYSIS

Abstract

1. Direct evidence for an endocrine activity of the crustacean sinusgland is given. This evidence has originated from implantation experiments. 2. Removal of the sinusgland significantly shortens the life of the animals, and conversely the length of life of animals with sinusglands removed can be significantly lengthened by implantation of the gland. 3. The sinusgland is readily dissected out in fresh eyestalk tissue in strong reflected light. It has a distinctly bluish cast. It is a definite organ which can be readily teased away from the surrounding tissue and removed as a whole. 4. Certain evidence suggests very strongly that a substance concerned with the control of molting is elaborated in this gland. The most probable action of this substance is that of inhibiting molt. 5. The action of the sinusgland in molt control appears to be insufficient to explain the viability effect entirely.