Summary
Microelectrode recording and computer-based analytical techniques were used to investigate the activity patterns of neurosecretory cells (NSC) in the insect protocerebral neurosecretory system.
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1.
Although the spike activity of NSC could change with time, three basic type of activity patterns were found, designated silent, regular and irregular. These patterns were detected both centrally and at the release site, the corpus cardiacum.
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2.
Combining extracellular recording with manipulation of Mg2+ in the neurons' environment, it was established that the NSC activity patterns represent the summed effects of: endogenously-generated activity, synaptic inputs from the central nervous system, and connections between the NSC themselves.
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3.
Computer-based analytical techniques were used to determine the sources of synaptic input to the NSC. Optic, ocellar, antennal and thoracicoabdominal pathways were found to contribute inputs to NSC.
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The authors are grateful to Dr. W.G. Tatton (MRC Grant 5218) for providing the programs and computer, and for helpful discussion. Financial support to J.L.W. was supplied by NRC of Canada.
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Bruce, I.C., Wilkens, J.L. Neuronal activity in neurosecretory cells of the fleshfly,Sarcophaga bullata . J. Comp. Physiol. 112, 109–122 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00612679
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00612679