Cell-specific contact selects transmitter responses in an identified leech neuron.
Serotonergic Retzius (R) neurons of the leech form a Cl-dependent synapse with pressure-sensitive (P) neurons both in vivo and in vitro. However, P cells show an extrasynaptic, cationic response to application of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) which is reduced upon contact between the neurons in culture. We have examined the cellular specificity of the selection of 5-HT responses in the P cell by pairing it in culture with a variety of identified neurons. Non-synaptic sensory cells, non-serotonergic pre- and postsynaptic partners and serotonergic neurons that do not form chemical synapses with the P cell failed to alter its responses to 5-HT. The selective reduction of the extrasynaptic response to 5-HT in the P cell therefore appears to be induced specifically by contact with its only known serotonergic partner during neuronal recognition leading to synapse formation.
Merz
D C
DC
Centre for Research in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Drapeau
P
P
D000818:Animals; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000502:physiology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D007865:Leeches; D009420:Nervous System / Q000254:growth & development; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D012701:Serotonin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013569:Synapses / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology
D012701:Serotonin