Work

Long-term sensitization training in Aplysia decreases the excitability of a decision-making neuron through a sodium-dependent mechanism

Year: 2017

Type: preprint

Abstract: In Aplysia, long-term sensitization (LTS) occurs concurrently with a suppression of feeding. At the cellular level, the suppression of feeding is accompanied by decreased excitability of decision-making neuron B51. We examined the contribution of voltage-gated Na+ and K+ channels to B51 decreased excitability. In a pharmacologically isolated Na+ channels environment, LTS training significantly increased B51 firing threshold, compared with untrained controls. Conversely, in a pharmacologically isolated K+ channels environment, no differences were observed between trained and untrained animals in either amplitude or area of B51 K+-dependent depolarizations. These findings suggest that Na+ channels contribute to the decrease in B51 excitability induced by LTS training.

Source: Learning & Memory

DOI: 10.1101/lm.044883.116

Authors: John S. Hernandez, Marcy L. Wainwright, Riccardo Mozzachiodi

Institution: Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi

Language: English

Topic: Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research

Subfield: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: National Science Foundation

Award: RIG: Behavioral, circuit and single-cell analysis of the effects of aversive experience on non-defensive behaviors