Abstract
Neurosecretory neurons located in the X-organ of decapod crustacean produce several neuropeptides involved in the regulation of numerous physiological processes. Carbohydrate metabolism is known to be primarily regulated by crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH), which operates by increasing the blood sugar level in the hemolymph via mobilization of glucose from glycogen stores. We studied the process by which CHH secretion into the hemolymph may be regulated by the hemolymph glucose level. We used single electrode current and voltage clamp on cultured X-organ neurons of the crab Cancer borealis. For recordings, cells with soma diameter in the range of 45-55 mu m and different types of growing morphology were selected. After recording, cells were, if possible, identified by immunocytochemistry.