Axotomized neurons of the pteropod mollusc Clione limacina develop novel sites of transmitter release in the absence of their normal muscle target.
Neural network for rhythmic wing movements in the swimming mollusc Clione limacina is a well-studied system. After nerve transection the efferent wing neurons cannot reach muscles and consequently display intensive central sprouting. In the present work it was shown that two types of efferent neurons with different neurotransmitters: acethylcholinergic locomotor motoneurons and serotonergic modulatory efferent neurons when deprived of their normal targets, release their neurotransmitter intended for peripheral muscles, in the unusual compartment--neuropile. Such 'unauthorized' release of neurotransmitter may cause nervous system dysfunctions in the damaged brain of other animals.
Panchin
Y V
YV
Institute of Problems of Information Transmission, Russian Academy Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation.
Zelenin
P V
PV
Popova
L B
LB
D000109:Acetylcholine / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D019771:Axotomy; D008564:Membrane Potentials; D008974:Mollusca / Q000502:physiology*; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D009476:Neurons, Efferent / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism*
D012701:Serotonin; D000109:Acetylcholine