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Central organization of common inhibitory motoneurons in the locust: role of afferent signals from leg mechanoreceptors

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Abstract

Intracellular recordings of mesothoracic common inhibitory neurons (CI1, CI2 and CI3) were made while tactile hairs of the middle legs of locusts (Locusta migratoria) were mechanically stimulated. Generally the three common inhibitory neurons were excited by stimulation of tactile hairs on the ventral and dorsal surface of femur and tibia. The response pattern of all three CI neurons was similar suggesting that they work as a functional unit. Touching hairs on the dorsal surface of tibia and tarsus in some cases led to inhibition of CIs. The connection between sensory cells of tactile hairs and common inhibitory neurons is polysynaptic.

To identify interneurons which mediate afferent signals, simultaneous intracellular recordings from CIs and interneurons were made. Different spiking interneurons were identified which made excitatory or inhibitory monosynaptic connections with CIs. Interneurons with inhibitory input to CIs belonged to the ventral midline group of spiking local interneurons. Behavioral and electrophysiological results indicate that reflex movements of the leg are accompanied by activity of CI neurons. Further it appears that CI activity is inhibited when reflex movements of the leg are actively suppressed by the animal.

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Abbreviations

CI:

common inhibitor

IN:

interneuron

LY:

Lucifer Yellow

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  1. J. Schmidt

    Present address: Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road, 30322, Atlanta, GA, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Fakultät für Biologie, Universität Konstanz, Postfach 5560, W-7750, Konstanz, Germany

    J. Schmidt & W. Rathmayer

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Schmidt, J., Rathmayer, W. Central organization of common inhibitory motoneurons in the locust: role of afferent signals from leg mechanoreceptors. J Comp Physiol A 172, 447–456 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00213526

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