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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Intracellular Recording, Sensory Field Mapping, and Culturing Identified Neurons in the Leech, Hirudo medicinalis

Intracellular Recording, Sensory Field Mapping, and Culturing Identified Neurons in the Leech, Hirudo medicinalis

Published on: November 4, 2013

Leech locomotion: swimming, crawling, and decisions.

W Otto Friesen¹, William B Kristan

¹Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903-4328, USA. wof@virginia.edu

Current Opinion in Neurobiology

|March 15, 2008

Summary

Leech locomotion research reveals hormonal control of swimming initiation and neuronal interactions. Advanced techniques like optical recording and modeling enhance understanding of complex motor control systems.

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Animal Behavior
Systems Biology

Background:

Decades of research have explored the neuronal control of locomotion in leeches.
Understanding the complex mechanisms governing movement is crucial in neuroscience.

Purpose of the Study:

To review recent advances in understanding leech locomotion.
To highlight key discoveries in neuronal control and hormonal modulation.
To present innovative techniques used in this research.

Main Methods:

Optical recording of membrane potential changes.
Simultaneous intracellular injection of fluorescent dyes.
Input-output systems engineering modeling.

Main Results:

Multiple hormones modulate swimming initiation.
Stretch receptors interact with central oscillators via electrical junctions.
Intersegmental interactions are weaker than intraganglionic oscillator interactions.
Multiple neurons control alternative locomotion modes.

Conclusions:

Recent advances have significantly improved our understanding of leech locomotion control.
Innovative techniques have been pivotal in these discoveries.
The findings provide a foundation for further research into neural circuits and motor control.