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The histochemistry of the neurosecretory material of the PF-positive neurosecretory cells of the cerebral ganglion of the adult and juvenile crab, Potamon magnum magnum (Pretzman) has been investigated. The PF-positive neurosecretory material is proteinaceous and contains considerable amounts of cystine; it is associated with significant amount of cytoplasmic RNA, lipids and phospholipids and with moderate amounts of carbohydrates, though no glycogen could be detected. The significance of these results is discussed.

The giant neurosecretory cells in the thoracic ganglion of the adult and juvenile crab, Potamon magnum magnum (Pretzman) were histochemically investigated. The secretion is mainly proteinaceous in nature, containing considerable amounts of acid mucosubstances, sulphate esters, lipids and a little carbohydrate but no glycogen. The detailed nature of proteinaceous neurosecretory material in the adult crab was further tested. It appears that the neurosecretory material of these cells contains moderate amounts of sulfhydryl groups and few of disulphide bonds. No trace of tyrosine could be observed. The neurosecretory granules were associated with considerable amounts of cytoplasmic RNA. In general, stronger reactions were obtained in summer and winter than in other seasons.