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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
11:26
Ratiometric Calcium Imaging of Individual Neurons in Behaving Caenorhabditis Elegans
Published on: February 7, 2018
Action potentials contribute to neuronal signaling in C. elegans
Jerry E Mellem1, Penelope J Brockie, David M Madsen
1Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-0840, USA.
Nature Neuroscience
|July 1, 2008
Summary
Certain Caenorhabditis elegans neurons fire regenerative action potentials, unlike previously predicted passive signal transmission. These bistable neurons, similar to Schmitt triggers, switch states with glutamate or current pulses.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Computational Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Neurons in Caenorhabditis elegans are typically small with high impedance and short processes.
- These neuronal characteristics were predicted to support only passive electrical signal propagation.
- Previous models did not account for active electrical signaling in these neurons.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the electrical signaling properties of specific neurons in Caenorhabditis elegans.
- To determine if these neurons exhibit active electrical properties beyond passive propagation.
- To characterize the behavior of neurons exhibiting bistability.
Main Methods:
- Electrophysiological recordings from Caenorhabditis elegans neurons.
- Application of neurotransmitters (glutamate) to trigger state transitions.
- Stimulation using brief current pulses to induce changes in neuronal potential.
Main Results:
- Identified specific neurons in C. elegans that fire regenerative action potentials.
- Observed bistable potential states in these neurons, analogous to Schmitt triggers.
- Demonstrated that glutamate application or current pulses can trigger transitions between these states.
Conclusions:
- Certain C. elegans neurons possess active electrical signaling capabilities, firing regenerative action potentials.
- These neurons exhibit Schmitt trigger-like bistability, challenging previous assumptions.
- Neurotransmitter and electrical stimulation can control state transitions in these active neurons.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Action Potential
Neurons communicate by firing action potentials—the electrochemical signal that is propagated along the axon. The signal results in the release of neurotransmitters at axon terminals, thereby transmitting information to the nervous system. An action potential is a specific "all-or-none" change in membrane potential that results in a rapid spike in voltage.
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...
01:14Action Potential
Neurons communicate by firing action potentials—the electrochemical signal that is propagated along the axon. The signal results in the release of neurotransmitters at axon terminals, thereby transmitting information to the nervous system. An action potential is a specific "all-or-none" change in membrane potential that results in a rapid spike in voltage.
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...
01:41Action Potentials
Overview
01:28Action Potential: Phases of Stimulation
The action potential is a complex electrical event that occurs in excitable cells, such as neurons and muscle cells. It consists of several distinct phases, each with specific characteristics.
Resting Phase:
In this phase, the cell's membrane is at its resting potential, typically around -70 millivolts (mV) for neurons. Inside the cell, there is a higher concentration of potassium ions (K+) and a lower concentration of sodium ions (Na+). Voltage-gated sodium channels are closed, and...
Resting Phase:
In this phase, the cell's membrane is at its resting potential, typically around -70 millivolts (mV) for neurons. Inside the cell, there is a higher concentration of potassium ions (K+) and a lower concentration of sodium ions (Na+). Voltage-gated sodium channels are closed, and...
01:23Propagation of Action Potentials
The propagation of an action potential refers to the process by which a nerve impulse, or "action potential," travels along a neuron.
Neurons (nerve cells) have a resting membrane potential, with a slightly negative charge inside compared to outside. This is maintained by ion channels, such as sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) channels, which control the flow of ions. When a stimulus, like a touch or a signal from another neuron, triggers the neuron, sodium channels open, allowing sodium ions to...
Neurons (nerve cells) have a resting membrane potential, with a slightly negative charge inside compared to outside. This is maintained by ion channels, such as sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) channels, which control the flow of ions. When a stimulus, like a touch or a signal from another neuron, triggers the neuron, sodium channels open, allowing sodium ions to...
01:12Synaptic Signaling
Neurons communicate at synapses, or junctions, to excite or inhibit the activity of other neurons or target cells, such as muscles. Synapses may be chemical or electrical.