Open AccessActivity patterns of neurosecretory cells releasing pheromonotropic neuropeptides in the moth Bombyx mori
Author(s) -
Toshio Ichikawa
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.011
H-Index - 771
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.95.7.4055
Subject(s) - bombyx mori , biology , neuropeptide , hemolymph , rhythm , stimulus (psychology) , bursting , pheromone , neuroscience , insect , bombycidae , medicine , microbiology and biotechnology , endocrinology , botany , psychology , biochemistry , receptor , gene , psychotherapist
Short- and long-term firing patterns of neurosecretory cells releasing pheromonotropic neuropeptides in the silkworm mothBombyx mori were examined. The cells showed three types of rhythmic changes in firing activity. Bursting activities with an interval of several seconds were synchronized with rhythmic abdominal motions for calling behavior. A slow fluctuation in firing activity over a period of several minutes depended on cyclic alternations of the flow of hemolymph. The electrical activity displayed a diel rhythm that related to light/dark cycles of the environment and sex pheromone titers in the pheromone gland. In addition to a transient inhibition of firing caused by a tactile or light stimulus, a long-term permanent inhibition was induced by mating with a fertile male. Thus, the insect neurosecretory system is highly coordinated with physiology and behavior inBombyx mori and is influenced by external stimuli.