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Chemically and electrically coupled interneurons mediate respiratory pumping in Aplysia
1Center for Neurobiology and Behavior, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York.
Journal of Neurophysiology
|November 1, 1989
Summary
Researchers discovered new R25 interneurons in Aplysia that, along with L25 cells, control respiratory pumping. These R25 cells initiate and synchronize the breathing behavior through electrical and chemical signaling.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Marine Biology
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Respiratory pumping in Aplysia is a vital behavior for survival.
- This behavior is known to be controlled by L25 interneurons in the left hemiabdominal ganglion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize new neuronal populations involved in Aplysia's respiratory pumping.
- To elucidate the role of R25 interneurons in the control of this behavior.
Main Methods:
- Electrophysiological recordings to study neuronal activity.
- Identification and characterization of R25 interneurons in the right hemiabdominal ganglion.
- Synaptic connection analysis between R25, L25 cells, and motoneurons.
Main Results:
- A cluster of approximately 14 R25 interneurons was identified, symmetrical to L25 cells.
- R25 cells are electrically coupled to each other and to L25 cells, with some also exhibiting chemical signaling.
- R25 cells fire synchronously with respiratory pumping, directly connect to motoneurons, and can trigger the entire behavior.
Conclusions:
- R25 interneurons play a crucial role in mediating and coordinating Aplysia's respiratory pumping.
- The R25/L25 network utilizes both electrical and chemical signaling for burst initiation and synchronization.
- This network demonstrates a two-phase bursting mechanism involving pacemaker activity and network reverberation.