[The participation of GFAD-synthesizing neurons in behavior regulation in the snail (Helix lucorum L.)]

Zh Vyssh Nerv Deiat Im I P Pavlova. 2000 Jan-Feb;50(1):113-23.
[Article in Russian]

Abstract

It was shown earlier that some neurons in Helix CNS express the mRNA of the precursor of neuropeptide GFAD. Using the data obtained with the help of the whole-mount in situ hybridization, we tried to identify a group of such neurons, namely, the pedal caudo-ventral group and to determine their possible functions. The local extracellular stimulation of the pedal caudo-ventral group resulted in movements of reproductive organs in the semi-intact preparation and suppressed the activity of the modulatory neurons controlling feeding and defensive behavior. Application of synthetic peptide GFAD (10(-8) mol/l) also activated movements of the reproductive organs and suppressed the activity of the modulatory neuron controlling feeding behavior. Stimulation of the labial nerves resulted in suppression of caudo-ventral neurons with simultaneous activation of the modulatory neuron controlling feeding behavior. The obtained evidence suggests that the caudo-ventral neurons can regulate movements of the reproductive organs and also coordinate different functions in realization of the integral sexual behavior. This group of neurons inhibits the modulatory neurons controlling the forms of behavior incompatible with courtship, i.e., feeding and defensive forms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal / drug effects
  • Behavior, Animal / physiology*
  • Electric Stimulation / instrumentation
  • Electric Stimulation / methods
  • Ganglia, Invertebrate / drug effects
  • Ganglia, Invertebrate / physiology
  • Helix, Snails / drug effects
  • Helix, Snails / physiology*
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Microelectrodes
  • Neurons / drug effects
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Neuropeptides / biosynthesis*
  • Neuropeptides / pharmacology
  • Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted

Substances

  • Neuropeptides