Action potentials contribute to neuronal signaling in C. elegans.
Small, high-impedance neurons with short processes, similar to those found in the soil nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, are predicted to transmit electrical signals by passive propagation. However, we have found that certain neurons in C. elegans fire regenerative action potentials. These neurons resembled Schmitt triggers, as their potential state appears to be bistable. Transitions between up and down states could be triggered by application of the neurotransmitter glutamate or brief current pulses.
Mellem
Jerry E
JE
Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-0840, USA.
Brockie
Penelope J
PJ
Madsen
David M
DM
Maricq
Andres V
AV
D000200:Action Potentials / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D030801:Animals, Genetically Modified; D017173:Caenorhabditis elegans / Q000502:physiology*; D029742:Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D005246:Feedback / Q000502:physiology; D018698:Glutamic Acid / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D007477:Ions / Q000378:metabolism; D009431:Neural Conduction / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000145:classification* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D018408:Patch-Clamp Techniques; D018091:Receptors, AMPA / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D012964:Sodium / Q000378:metabolism; D013268:Stimulation, Chemical
D029742:Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins; D007473:Ion Channels; D007477:Ions; D018091:Receptors, AMPA; C096470:glr-1 protein, C elegans; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins; D018698:Glutamic Acid; D012964:Sodium; D002118:Calcium