Biogenic amines modulate synaptic transmission between identified giant interneurons and thoracic interneurons in the escape system of the cockroach. Journal Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • In the escape system of the cockroach, Periplaneta americana, a population of uniquely identifiable thoracic interneurons (type A or TIAs) receive information about wind via chemical synapses from a population of ventral giant interneurons (vGIs). The TIAs are involved in the integration of sensory information necessary for orienting the animal during escape. It is likely that there are times in an animal's life when it is advantageous to modify the effectiveness of synaptic transmission between the vGIs and the TIAs. Given the central position of the TIAs in the escape system, this would greatly alter associated motor outputs. We tested the ability of octopamine, serotonin, and dopamine to modulate synaptic transmission between vGIs and TIAs. Both octopamine and dopamine significantly increased the amplitude of vGI-evoked excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) in TIAs at 10(-4)-10(-2) M, and 10(-3) M, respectively. On the other hand, serotonin significantly decreased the vGI-evoked EPSPs in TIAs at 10(-4)-10(-3) M. These results indicate that octopamine, serotonin, and dopamine are capable of modulating the efficacy of transmission of important neural connections within this circuit.

publication date

  • August 1, 1992

has subject area

has restriction

  • closed

Date in CU Experts

  • March 13, 2015 12:51 PM

Full Author List

  • Casagrand JL; Ritzmann RE

author count

  • 2

Other Profiles

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0022-3034

Additional Document Info

start page

  • 644

end page

  • 655

volume

  • 23

issue

  • 6