Serotonergic modulation of locust motor neurons

1. The effects of the putative endogenous neuromodulator serotonin (5-HT) on the fast extensor and flexor tibiae motor neurons in the locust (Schistocerca gregaria) metathoracic ganglion, were analyzed. 2. 5-HT consistently increased the duration of the fast extensor spike and usually reduced the afterhyperpolarization, although this effect was less consistent. The spike broadening in the fast extensor was associated with an increase in the amplitude of the excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) evoked monosynaptically in the flexor motor neurons by fast extensor stimulation. 5-HT also increased the membrane resistance of the fast extensor and flexor tibiae motor neurons. 3. The effects of 5-HT were mimicked by bath application of the 5-HT uptake inhibitor imipramine, and blocked by the 5-HT receptor antagonist ketanserin. The effects were also mimicked by dibutryl cyclic AMP, a membrane permeant analogue of cyclic AMP, and by the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methyl-xanthine, but not by dibutryl cyclic GMP. The 5-HT-dependent modulation was blocked by the protein kinase A inhibitor H8. In addition, injection of cyclic AMP into the fast extensor or a flexor motor neuron could mimic the effects of 5-HT on these neurons. 4. 5-HT probably broadened the FETi action potential by modulating potassium conductances responsible for spike repolarization. 5. These results show that 5-HT modulates both the fast extensor and flexor tibiae motor neurons, resulting in potentiation of synaptic transmission between these neurons. In addition, the increase in flexor membrane resistance will potentiate other inputs onto these cells, which will affect the output of the motor neurons during locomotion.