Cell-specific contact selects transmitter responses in an identified leech neuron

Serotonergic Retzius (R) neurons of the leech form a Cl-dependent synapse with pressure-sensitive (P) neurons both in vivo and in vitro. However, P cells show an extrasynaptic, cationic response to application of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) which is reduced upon contact between the neurons in culture. We have examined the cellular specificity of the selection of 5-HT responses in the P cell by pairing it in culture with a variety of identified neurons. Non-synaptic sensory cells, non-serotonergic pre- and postsynaptic partners and serotonergic neurons that do not form chemical synapses with the P cell failed to alter its responses to 5-HT. The selective reduction of the extrasynaptic response to 5-HT in the P cell therefore appears to be induced specifically by contact with its only known serotonergic partner during neuronal recognition leading to synapse formation.