title: Neuromodulation of early electrosensory processing in gymnotiform weakly electric fish.
abstract: Sensory neurons continually adapt their processing properties in response to changes in the sensory environment or the brain's internal state. Neuromodulators are thought to mediate such adaptation through a variety of receptors and their action has been implicated in processes such as attention, learning and memory, aggression, reproductive behaviour and state-dependent mechanisms. Here, we review recent work on neuromodulation of electrosensory processing by acetylcholine and serotonin in the weakly electric fish Apteronotus leptorhynchus. Specifically, our review focuses on how experimental application of these neuromodulators alters excitability and responses to sensory input of pyramidal cells within the hindbrain electrosensory lateral line lobe. We then discuss current hypotheses on the functional roles of these two neuromodulatory pathways in regulating electrosensory processing at the organismal level and the need for identifying the natural behavioural conditions that activate these pathways.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, McGill University, 1205 Docteur Penfield, Montreal, QC, Canada, H3A 1B1.
authors.forename: Brenda Toscano
authors.initials: BT
authors.lastname: Márquez
authors.forename: Rüdiger
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Krahe
authors.forename: Maurice J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Chacron
mesh_terms: D000109:Acetylcholine / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D004555:Electric Fish / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D004557:Electric Organ / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism*; D017966:Pyramidal Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D012249:Rhombencephalon / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D012677:Sensation; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D012701:Serotonin; D000109:Acetylcholine
keywords: acetylcholine; serotonin; weakly electric fish