Atypical co-localization of snail neurons: impact of season or impaired nerve system?
Hemolymph of snail Helix pomatia was analyzed in this study to determine the presence of neurons. The animals were sampled at different localities from April to June 2018. Locations differ in many ecological features, especially in insolation, humidity and altitude. Neurons were recorded in snail's hemolymph from one locality (neurone presence in hemolymph in 40% of specimens). Two types of neurons were identified: unipolar and multipolar. This physiological phenomenon is characterized by the presence of different forms of neurons, both individual and related, as well as the formation of a neuronal network. Neurons are very heterogeneous both in terms of number and size, as well as morphological characteristics. Some neurons did not have dendrites or had short axon, while some had giant axons. The presence of neurons in hemolymph still does not have physiological explanation, but the interaction of hemolymph and nervous system as well as seasonal influences may have great significance for this physiological phenomenon which opens up a significant topic for future research.