Effect of certain environmental factors on the cerebral neurosecretory cells of American cockroachPeriplaneta americana (L.)

Summary Under illumination, the cerebral neurosecretory cells (NSC) ofPeriplaneta americana were found to be depleted of neurosecretory material (NSM). It is suggested that, due to prolonged exposure to illumination, the synthesis of NSM was checked. The NSC were found densely packed with NSM after keeping the insects in total darkness. Clumping of NSC and their axons was brought about by 15 days of starvation. Diet played no significant role in the neurosecretory activity.We are thankful to Mr Fakhruddin, Saifia Educational Society for providing research facilities.