Effects of aversive stimuli beyond defensive neural circuits: Reduced excitability in an identified neuron critical for feeding in Aplysia | Zendy

Maria E. Shields-Johnson | Zendy; John S. Hernandez | Zendy; Cody Torno | Zendy; Katherine M. Adams | Zendy; Marcy L. Wainwright | Zendy; Riccardo Mozzachiodi | Zendy

Open Access

Effects of aversive stimuli beyond defensive neural circuits: Reduced excitability in an identified neuron critical for feeding in Aplysia

Author(s) -

Maria E. Shields-Johnson,

John S. Hernandez,

Cody Torno,

Katherine M. Adams,

Marcy L. Wainwright,

Riccardo Mozzachiodi

Publication year - 2012

Publication title -

learning and memory

Language(s) - English

Resource type - Journals

SCImago Journal Rank - 1.228

H-Index - 136

eISSN - 1549-5485

pISSN - 1072-0502

DOI - 10.1101/lm.028084.112

Subject(s) - aplysia , neuroscience , sensitization , aversive stimulus , biological neural network , escape response , serotonin , psychology , reflex , neuron , neuroplasticity , medicine , receptor

In Aplysia, repeated trials of aversive stimuli produce long-term sensitization (LTS) of defensive reflexes and suppression of feeding. Whereas the cellular underpinnings of LTS have been characterized, the mechanisms of feeding suppression remained unknown. Here, we report that LTS training induced a long-term decrease in the excitability of B51 (a decision-making neuron in the feeding circuit) that recovered at a time point in which LTS is no longer observed (72 h post-treatment). These findings indicate B51 as a locus of plasticity underlying feeding suppression. Finally, treatment with serotonin to induce LTS failed to alter feeding and B51 excitability, suggesting that serotonin does not mediate the effects of LTS training on the feeding circuit.

The content you want is available to Zendy users.

Already have an account? Click here to sign in.

Having issues? You can contact us here

Accelerating Research