Water-flow sensitive pedal neurons in Tritonia: role in rheotaxis.
We have identified 13 pairs of neurons in the pedal ganglia of the marine nudibranch slug Tritonia diomedea that responded tonically and/or phasically to water-flow directed at the rhinophore sheaths and oral veil tips. Most of the neurons responded equally to inputs from either side of the body, but 6 pairs responded with greater intensity to ipsilateral water-flow stimuli. When stimulated intracellularly in a semi-intact, whole-animal preparation, 4 of these 6 pairs of neurons caused ipsilateral movements that may turn the animal towards that side. These observations suggest a role for these current-sensitive neurons in the previously described orientation to water-currents in Tritonia diomedea.
Murray
J A
JA
Department of Zoology, University of Washington, Seattle 98195.
Hewes
R S
RS
Willows
A O
AO
D000200:Action Potentials / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D005121:Extremities / Q000294:innervation*; D008124:Locomotion / Q000502:physiology; D008465:Mechanoreceptors / Q000502:physiology*; D008974:Mollusca / Q000502:physiology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D009949:Orientation / Q000502:physiology; D010812:Physical Stimulation; D014872:Water Movements