Preliminary results of luminescence control in isolated arms of Ophiopsila aranea (Echinodermata).

Luminescence induced by KC1 applications on isolated arms from Ophiopsila aranea (FORBES) is described. Light emission is characterized by a series of flashes whose maximal intensity increases as a function of KC1 concentration. None of the neuromediators tested (adrenaline, noradrenaline, 5-HT, acetylcholine, carbachol, gaba, taurine, glutamate) induced the production of light. Our study requires further experiments in order to characterize the nature of the luminescence control mechanism of Ophiopsila aranea.