scholarly journals Neural Organization of the Median Ocellus of the Dragonfly

1972 ◽  
Vol 60 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard L. Chappell ◽  
John E. Dowling
Keyword(s):  
Synaptic Transmission ◽  
Receptor Potential ◽  
Transient Responses ◽  
Slow Potential ◽  
Neural Organization ◽  
Postsynaptic Activity ◽  
Potential Activity ◽  
Median Ocellus ◽  
Ocellar Nerve

Intracellular responses from receptors and postsynaptic units have been recorded in the median ocellus of the dragonfly. The receptors respond to light with a graded, depolarizing potential and a single, tetrodotoxin-sensitive impulse at "on." The postsynaptic units (ocellar nerve dendrites) hyperpolarize during illumination and show a transient, depolarizing response at "off." The light-evoked slow potential responses of the postsynaptic units are not altered by the application of tetrodotoxin to the ocellus. It appears, therefore, that the graded receptor potential, which survives the application of tetrodotoxin, is responsible for mediating synaptic transmission in the ocellus. Comparison of pre- and postsynaptic slow potential activity shows (a) longer latencies in postsynaptic units by 5–20 msec, (b) enhanced photosensitivity in postsynaptic units by 1–2 log units, and (c) more transient responses in postsynaptic units. It is suggested that enhanced photosensitivity of postsynaptic activity is a result of summation of many receptors onto the postsynaptic elements, and that transients in the postsynaptic responses are related to the complex synaptic arrangements in the ocellar plexus to be described in the following paper.

scholarly journals Neural Organization of the Median Ocellus of the Dragonfly

1972 ◽  
Vol 60 (2) ◽  
pp. 148-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
John E. Dowling ◽  
Richard L. Chappell
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Synaptic Vesicles ◽  
Receptor Cell ◽  
Presynaptic Membrane ◽  
Cell Axon ◽  
Axon Terminals ◽  
Neural Organization ◽  
Dense Cluster ◽  
Median Ocellus ◽  
Ocellar Nerve

Two types of presumed synaptic contacts have been recognized by electron microscopy in the synaptic plexus of the median ocellus of the dragonfly. The first type is characterized by an electron-opaque, button-like organelle in the presynaptic cytoplasm, surrounded by a cluster of synaptic vesicles. Two postsynaptic elements are associated with these junctions, which we have termed button synapses. The second synaptic type is characterized by a dense cluster of synaptic vesicles adjacent to the presumed presynaptic membrane. One postsynaptic element is observed at these junctions. The overwhelming majority of synapses seen in the plexus are button synapses. They are found most commonly in the receptor cell axons where they synaptically contact ocellar nerve dendrites and adjacent receptor cell axons. Button synapses are also seen in the ocellar nerve dendrites where they appear to make synapses back onto receptor axon terminals as well as onto adjacent ocellar nerve dendrites. Reciprocal and serial synaptic arrangements between receptor cell axon terminals, and between receptor cell axon terminals and ocellar nerve dendrites are occasionally seen. It is suggested that the lateral and feedback synapses in the median ocellus of the dragonfly play a role in enhancing transients in the postsynaptic responses.

scholarly journals The Ventral Photoreceptor Cells of Limulus

1969 ◽  
Vol 54 (3) ◽  
pp. 310-330 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald Millecchia ◽  
Alexander Mauro
Keyword(s):  
Receptor Potential ◽  
Photoreceptor Cells ◽  
Regenerative Process ◽  
Resting Potential ◽  
Transient Phase ◽  
External Concentration ◽  
Slow Potential ◽  
Retinular Cells ◽  
Convenient Model ◽  
State Component

The ventral photoreceptors of Limulus polyphemus are unipolar cells with large, ellipsoidal somas located long both "lateral olfactory nerves." As a consequence of their size and location, the cells are easily impaled with microelectrodes. The cells have an average resting potential of -48 mv. The resting potential is a function of the external concentration of K. When the cell is illuminated, it gives rise to the typical "receptor potential" seen in most invertebrate photoreceptors which consists of a transient phase followed by a maintained phase of depolarization. The amplitude of the transient phase depends on both the state of adaptation of the cell and the intensity of the illumination, while the amplitude of the maintained phase depends only on the intensity of the illumination. The over-all size of the receptor potential depends on the external concentration of Na, e.g. in sodium-free seawater the receptor potential is markedly reduced, but not abolished. On the other hand lowering the Ca concentration produces a marked enhancement of both components of the response, but predominantly of the steady-state component. Slow potential fluctuations are seen in the dark-adapted cell when it is illuminated with a low intensity light. A spike-like regenerative process can be evoked by either the receptor potential or a current applied via a microelectrode. No evidence of impulse activity has been found in the axons of these cells. The ventral photoreceptor cell has many properties in common with a variety of retinular cells and therefore should serve as a convenient model of the primary receptor cell in many invertebrate eyes.

scholarly journals TRPV1 channels contribute to spontaneous glutamate release in nucleus tractus solitarii following chronic intermittent hypoxia

2019 ◽  
Vol 121 (3) ◽  
pp. 881-892 ◽  
Author(s):  
David D. Kline ◽  
Sheng Wang ◽  
Diana L. Kunze
Keyword(s):  
Synaptic Transmission ◽  
Intermittent Hypoxia ◽  
Transient Receptor Potential ◽  
Receptor Potential ◽  
Nucleus Tractus Solitarii ◽  
Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia ◽  
Excitatory Postsynaptic Currents ◽  
Epsc Amplitude ◽  
Postsynaptic Currents ◽  
Transient Receptor

Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) reduces afferent-evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) but enhances basal spontaneous (s) and asynchronous (a) EPSCs in second-order neurons of nucleus tractus solitarii (nTS), a major area for cardiorespiratory control. The net result is an increase in synaptic transmission. The mechanisms by which this occurs are unknown. The N-type calcium channel and transient receptor potential cation channel TRPV1 play prominent roles in nTS sEPSCs and aEPSCs. The functional role of these channels in CIH-mediated afferent-evoked EPSC, sEPSC, and aEPSC was tested in rat nTS slices following antagonist inhibition and in mouse nTS slices that lack TRPV1. Block of N-type channels decreased aEPSCs in normoxic and, to a lesser extent, CIH-exposed rats. sEPSCs examined in the presence of TTX (miniature EPSCs) were also decreased by N-type block in normoxic but not CIH-exposed rats. Antagonist inhibition of TRPV1 reduced the normoxic and the CIH-mediated increase in sEPSCs, aEPSCs, and mEPSCs. As in rats, in TRPV1+/+ control mice, aEPSCs, sEPSCs, and mEPSCs were enhanced following CIH. However, none were enhanced in TRPV1−/− null mice. Normoxic tractus solitarii (TS)-evoked EPSC amplitude, and the decrease after CIH, were comparable in control and null mice. In rats, TRPV1 was localized in the nodose-petrosal ganglia (NPG) and their central branches. CIH did not alter TRPV1 mRNA but increased its protein in NPG consistent with an increased contribution of TRPV1. Together, our studies indicate TRPV1 contributes to the CIH increase in aEPSCs and mEPSCs, but the CIH reduction in TS-EPSC amplitude occurs via an alternative mechanism. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study provides information on the underlying mechanisms responsible for the chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) increase in synaptic transmission that leads to exaggerated sympathetic nervous and respiratory activity at baseline and in response to low oxygen. We demonstrate that the CIH increase in asynchronous and spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) and miniature EPSCs, but not decrease in afferent-driven EPSCs, is dependent on transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1). Thus TRPV1 is important in controlling nucleus tractus solitarii synaptic activity during CIH.

Ionic mechanisms of phototransduction in photoreceptor cells from the epistellar body of the octopus eledone cirrhosa

1999 ◽  
Vol 202 (8) ◽  
pp. 977-986
Author(s):  
C.S. Cobb ◽  
R. Williamson
Keyword(s):  
Time Course ◽  
Sea Water ◽  
Light Flash ◽  
Receptor Potential ◽  
Photoreceptor Cells ◽  
Evoked Response ◽  
Na Channel ◽  
External Application ◽  
Ionic Mechanisms ◽  
Potential Activity

Intracellular recordings were made from extraocular photoreceptor cells within isolated epistellar bodies of the lesser or northern octopus Eledone cirrhosa. The cells had resting potentials around −41+/−5 mV (mean +/− s.d., N=60) and showed light-flash-induced membrane depolarisation. The evoked response to a brief light flash consisted of a transient peak depolarisation, followed by a plateau component. The magnitude of the light-induced peak depolarisation response was decreased by bathing the epistellar body in artificial sea water (ASW) low in Na+, where choline+ replaced Na+, or by passing steady depolarising current. Replacement of external Na+ by Li+ had no effect on the light-stimulated response. The external application of the Na+ channel blocker tetrodotoxin (3 micromol l-1) increased the light-evoked response, but this was accompanied by a loss of action potential activity. The amplitude and duration of the response to a light flash was increased by bathing the epistellar body in ASW low in Ca2+, or in ASW containing 10 mmol l-1 Co2+, and after intracellular microinjection of the Ca2+ buffer EGTA. Intracellular microinjection of Ca2+ or inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, or external application of the phospholipase C inhibitor U-73122, had no apparent effect on the light-evoked response. These results are consistent with the interpretation that (1) the majority of the light-induced inward current is carried by Na+, probably via a non-selective cation channel, and (2) an increase in the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration, mediated by the phototransduction process, is involved in regulating the light-induced inward photocurrent and thus, in effect, determines the amplitude, time course and sensitivity of the receptor potential.

scholarly journals Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)-induced Mitochondrial Motility Arrest and Presynaptic Docking Contribute to BDNF-enhanced Synaptic Transmission

2013 ◽  
Vol 289 (3) ◽  
pp. 1213-1226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bo Su ◽  
Yun-Song Ji ◽  
Xu-lu Sun ◽  
Xiang-Hua Liu ◽  
Zhe-Yu Chen
Keyword(s):  
Synaptic Transmission ◽  
Neurotrophic Factor ◽  
Hippocampal Neurons ◽  
Transient Receptor Potential ◽  
Receptor Potential ◽  
Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Mitochondrial Transport ◽  
Mitochondrial Motility ◽  
Transient Receptor

Appropriate mitochondrial transport and distribution are essential for neurons because of the high energy and Ca2+ buffering requirements at synapses. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an essential role in regulating synaptic transmission and plasticity. However, whether and how BDNF can regulate mitochondrial transport and distribution are still unclear. Here, we find that in cultured hippocampal neurons, application of BDNF for 15 min decreased the percentage of moving mitochondria in axons, a process dependent on the activation of the TrkB receptor and its downstream PI3K and phospholipase-Cγ signaling pathways. Moreover, the BDNF-induced mitochondrial stopping requires the activation of transient receptor potential canonical 3 and 6 (TRPC3 and TRPC6) channels and elevated intracellular Ca2+ levels. The Ca2+ sensor Miro1 plays an important role in this process. Finally, the BDNF-induced mitochondrial stopping leads to the accumulation of more mitochondria at presynaptic sites. Mutant Miro1 lacking the ability to bind Ca2+ prevents BDNF-induced mitochondrial presynaptic accumulation and synaptic transmission, suggesting that Miro1-mediated mitochondrial motility is involved in BDNF-induced mitochondrial presynaptic docking and neurotransmission. Together, these data suggest that mitochondrial transport and distribution play essential roles in BDNF-mediated synaptic transmission.

scholarly journals The Absence of the Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 Directly Impacts on the Expression and Localization of the Endocannabinoid System in the Mouse Hippocampus

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jon Egaña-Huguet ◽  
Itziar Bonilla-Del Río ◽  
Sonia M. Gómez-Urquijo ◽  
Amaia Mimenza ◽  
Miquel Saumell-Esnaola ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Synaptic Transmission ◽  
Transient Receptor Potential ◽  
Acid Amide ◽  
Endocannabinoid System ◽  
Receptor Potential ◽  
Perforant Path ◽  
Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid ◽  
Excitatory Synapses ◽  
Selective Ligand ◽  
Transient Receptor

The transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) is a non-selective ligand-gated cation channel involved in synaptic transmission, plasticity, and brain pathology. In the hippocampal dentate gyrus, TRPV1 localizes to dendritic spines and dendrites postsynaptic to excitatory synapses in the molecular layer (ML). At these same synapses, the cannabinoid CB1 receptor (CB1R) activated by exogenous and endogenous cannabinoids localizes to the presynaptic terminals. Hence, as both receptors are activated by endogenous anandamide, co-localize, and mediate long-term depression of the excitatory synaptic transmission at the medial perforant path (MPP) excitatory synapses though by different mechanisms, it is plausible that they might be exerting a reciprocal influence from their opposite synaptic sites. In this anatomical scenario, we tested whether the absence of TRPV1 affects the endocannabinoid system. The results obtained using biochemical techniques and immunoelectron microscopy in a mouse with the genetic deletion of TRPV1 show that the expression and localization of components of the endocannabinoid system, included CB1R, change upon the constitutive absence of TRPV1. Thus, the expression of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) drastically increased in TRPV1−/− whole homogenates. Furthermore, CB1R and MAGL decreased and the cannabinoid receptor interacting protein 1a (CRIP1a) increased in TRPV1−/− synaptosomes. Also, CB1R positive excitatory terminals increased, the number of excitatory terminals decreased, and CB1R particles dropped significantly in inhibitory terminals in the dentate ML of TRPV1−/− mice. In the outer 2/3 ML of the TRPV1−/− mutants, the proportion of CB1R particles decreased in dendrites, and increased in excitatory terminals and astrocytes. In the inner 1/3 ML, the proportion of labeling increased in excitatory terminals, neuronal mitochondria, and dendrites. Altogether, these observations indicate the existence of compensatory changes in the endocannabinoid system upon TRPV1 removal, and endorse the importance of the potential functional adaptations derived from the lack of TRPV1 in the mouse brain.

scholarly journals Ultraviolet-Induced Sensitivity to Visible Light in Ultraviolet Receptors of Limulus

1972 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 186-200 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Nolte ◽  
Joel E. Brown
Keyword(s):  
Spectral Sensitivity ◽  
Electrical Response ◽  
Receptor Potential ◽  
Ion Concentration ◽  
Sensitivity Curve ◽  
Long Wavelength ◽  
Median Ocellus ◽  
Wavelength Light ◽  
Reversal Potentials ◽  
Spectral Sensitivity Curve

In the UV-sensitive photoreceptors of the median ocellus (UV cells), prolonged depolarizing afterpotentials are seen following a bright UV stimulus. These afterpotentials are abolished by long-wavelength light. During a bright UV stimulus, long-wavelength light elicits a sustained negative-going response. These responses to long-wavelength light are called repolarizing responses. The spectral sensitivity curve for the repolarizing responses peaks at 480 nm; it is the only spectral sensitivity curve for a median ocellus electrical response known to peak at 480 nm. The reversal potentials of the repolarizing response and the depolarizing receptor potential are the same, and change in the same way when the external sodium ion concentration is reduced. We propose that the generation of repolarizing responses involves a thermally stable intermediate of the UV-sensitive photopigment of UV cells.

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