Proprioceptive feedback in locust kicking and jumping during maturation

Campaniform sensilla monitor the forces generated by the leg muscles during the co-contraction phase of locust (Schistocerca gregaria) kicking and jumping and re-excite the fast extensor (FETi) and flexor tibiae motor neurones, which innervate the leg muscles. Sensory signals from a campaniform sensillum on the proximal tibia were compared in newly moulted locusts, which do not kick and jump, and mature locusts which readily kick and jump. The activity pattern of FETi during co-contraction was mimicked by stimulating the extensor tibiae muscle. Less force was generated and the spike frequency of the sensory neurone from the sensillum was significantly lower in newly moulted compared to mature locusts. Depolarisation of both FETi and flexor motor neurones as a result of sensory feedback was consequently less in newly moulted than in mature locusts. The difference in the depolarisation was greater than the decrease in the afferent spike frequency suggesting that the central connections of the afferents are modulated. The depolarisation could generate spikes in FETi and maintain flexor spikes in mature but not in newly moulted locusts. This indicates that feedback from the anterior campaniform sensillum comprises a significant component of the drive to both FETi and flexor activity during co-contraction in mature animals and that the changes in this feedback contribute to the developmental change in behaviour.