Expansion and Contraction of the Oral Disc in the Sea Anemone Tealia Felina

1972 ◽  
Vol 57 (3) ◽  
pp. 633-649
Author(s):  
I. D. MCFARLANE ◽  
I. D. LAWN
Keyword(s):  
Recovery Period ◽  
Stimulus Frequency ◽  
Sensory Response ◽  
Frequency Range ◽  
Oral Disc ◽  
Nerve Net ◽  
Slow Contraction ◽  
Slow Onset ◽  
Radial Muscle ◽  
Stimulation Of

1. Electrical stimulation of the SS 1 of Tealia felina causes inhibition of spontaneousactivity and increase in length of oral disc radial muscle preparations. This response is elicited over a wide stimulus frequency range (1 every 2 sec to 1 every 30 sec). The response shows a slow onset and a long recovery period. 2. Stimulation of the nerve net at frequencies between 1 shock every 5 sec and 1 shock every 20 sec produces slow contraction. The radials also show fast contractions to shocks less than 2 sec apart. 3. Dissolved food substances excite the SS 1 in the column. The sensory response to application of food extract to a small area of the column shows evidence of sensory adaptation. 4. These observations are related to the pre-feeding response of Tealia and a model for oral disc expansion is described.

Two slow conduction systems co-ordinate shell-climbing behaviour in the sea anemone Calliactis parasitica

1976 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
pp. 431-445
Author(s):  
I. D. McFarlane
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Sensory Response ◽  
Pulse Interval ◽  
Nerve Net ◽  
Slow Conduction ◽  
Calliactis Parasitica ◽  
Climbing Behaviour ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Stimulation Of

1. Pulses in two slow conducting systems, the ectodermal SS 1 and the endodermal SS 2, were recorded during shell-climbing behaviour. The mean pulse interval of SS 1 pulses was 7–4 s and that of SS 2 pulses was 6-4 s. Activity in both systems may arise as a sensory response of tentacles to shell contact, but the SS 1 and SS 2 may not share the same receptors. 2. Electrical stimulation of the SS 1 and SS 2 together, at a frequency of 1 shock every 5 s, elicits shell-climbing behaviour in the absence of a shell. 3. Low-frequency nerve-net activity (about 1 pulse every 15 s) accompanies column bending during both normal and electrically elicited responses. This activity probably arises as a result of column bending and is not due to a sensory response to the shell.

Induction of long-term potentiation without participation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in kitten visual cortex

1991 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Komatsu ◽  
S. Nakajima ◽  
K. Toyama
Keyword(s):  
Nmda Receptors ◽  
Stimulus Frequency ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Nmda Antagonist ◽  
Long Term Potentiation ◽  
Conditioning Stimulation ◽  
Postsynaptic Potential ◽  
Term Potentiation ◽  
Stimulation Of

1. Intracellular recording was made from layer II-III cells in slice preparations of kitten (30-40 days old) visual cortex. Low-frequency (0.1 Hz) stimulation of white matter (WM) usually evoked an excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) followed by an inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP). The postsynaptic potentials (PSPs) showed strong dependence on stimulus frequency. Early component of EPSP and IPSP evoked by weak stimulation both decreased monotonically at frequencies greater than 0.5-1 Hz. Strong stimulation similarly depressed the early EPSP at higher frequencies (greater than 2 Hz) and replaced the IPSP with a late EPSP, which had a maximum amplitude in the stimulus frequency range of 2-5 Hz. 2. Very weak WM stimulation sometimes evoked EPSPs in isolation from IPSPs. The falling phase of the EPSP revealed voltage dependence characteristic to the responses mediated by N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and was depressed by application of an NMDA antagonist DL-2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate (APV), whereas the rising phase of the EPSP was insensitive to APV. 3. The early EPSPs followed by IPSPs were insensitive to APV but were replaced with a slow depolarizing potential by application of a non-NMDA antagonist 6,7-dinitro-quinoxaline-2,3-dione (DNQX), indicating that the early EPSP is mediated by non-NMDA receptors. The slow depolarization was mediated by NMDA receptors because it was depressed by membrane hyperpolarization or addition of APV. 4. The late EPSP evoked by higher-frequency stimulation was abolished by APV, indicating that it is mediated by NMDA receptors, which are located either on the recorded cell or on presynaptic cells to the recorded cells. 5. Long-term potentiation (LTP) of EPSPs was examined in cells perfused with solutions containing 1 microM bicuculline methiodide (BIM), a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) antagonist. WM was stimulated at 2 Hz for 15 min as a conditioning stimulus to induce LTP, and the resultant changes were tested by low-frequency (0.1 Hz) stimulation of WM. 6. LTP of early EPSPs occurred in more than one-half of the cells (8/13) after strong conditioning stimulation. The rising slope of the EPSP was increased 1.6 times on average. 7. To test involvement of NMDA receptors in the induction of LTP in the early EPSP, the effect of conditioning stimulation was studied in a solution containing 100 microM APV, which was sufficient to block completely synaptic transmission mediated by NMDA receptors. LTP occurred in the same frequency and magnitude as in control solution.

Summation of motor unit tensions in the tibialis posterior muscle of the cat under isometric and nonisometric conditions

1991 ◽  
Vol 66 (6) ◽  
pp. 1838-1846 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. K. Powers ◽  
M. D. Binder
Keyword(s):  
Motor Unit ◽  
Muscle Fibers ◽  
Stimulus Frequency ◽  
Muscle Length ◽  
Motor Units ◽  
Force Transducer ◽  
Tibialis Posterior ◽  
Single Motor Units ◽  
Individual Motor ◽  
Stimulation Of

1. The tension produced by the combined stimulation of two to four single motor units of the cat tibialis posterior muscle was compared with the algebraic sum of the tensions produced by each individual motor unit. Comparisons were made under isometric conditions and during imposed changes in muscle length. 2. Under isometric conditions, the tension resulting from combined stimulation of units displayed marked nonlinear summation, as previously reported in other cat hindlimb muscles. On average, the measured tension was approximately 20% greater than the algebraic sum of the individual unit tensions. However, small trapezoidal movements imposed on the muscle during stimulation significantly reduced the degree of nonlinear summation both during and after the movement. This effect was seen with imposed movements as small as 50 microns. 3. The degree of nonlinear summation was not dependent on motor unit size or on stimulus frequency. The effect was also unrelated to tendon compliance because the degree of nonlinear summation of motor unit forces was unaffected by the inclusion of different amounts of the external tendon between the muscle and the force transducer. 4. Our results support previous suggestions that the force measured when individual motor units are stimulated under isometric conditions is reduced by friction between the active muscle fibers and adjacent passive fibers. These frictional effects are likely to originate in the connective tissue matrix connecting adjacent muscle fibers. However, because these effects are virtually eliminated by small movements, linear summation of motor unit tensions should occur at low force levels under nonisometric conditions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Control of mouth opening and pharynx protrusion during feeding in the sea anemone Calliactis parasitica

1975 ◽  
Vol 63 (3) ◽  
pp. 615-626
Author(s):  
I. D. McFarlane
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Reduced Glutathione ◽  
Mouth Opening ◽  
Pulse Frequency ◽  
Sea Anemone ◽  
Conducting System ◽  
Nerve Net ◽  
Calliactis Parasitica ◽  
Stimulation Of

1. Activity in all three known conducting systems (the nerve net, SS1, and SS2) may accompany feeding in Calliactis. The most marked response is an increase in pulse frequency in the SS2 (the endodermal slow conducting system) during mouth opening and pharynx protrusion. 2. Electrical stimulation of the SS2 at a frequency of one shock every 5 s elicits mouth opening and pharynx protrusion in the absence of food. 3. A rise in SS2 pulse frequency is also evoked by food extracts, some amino acids, and in particular by the tripeptide reduced glutathione, which produces a response at a concentration of 10(−5) M. 4. Although the SS2 is an endodermal system, the receptors involved in the response to food appear to be ectodermal. 5. The epithelium that lines the pharynx conducts SS1 pulses, but there is some evidence for polarization of conduction.

Long-Term Facilitation in a Swimming Sea Anemone

1959 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 526-532
Author(s):  
DONALD M. WILSON
Keyword(s):  
Sea Anemone ◽  
Experimental Techniques ◽  
Frequency Range ◽  
Nerve Net ◽  
Electric Shocks ◽  
Electrical Shocks ◽  
Probable Site ◽  
A Chain ◽  
Long Term Facilitation

1. Repetition-produced modifications in the behaviour of the swimming sea anemone, Stomphia coccinea, are described. Lowered threshold to number of electrical shocks on successive trials indicates a kind of ‘learning‘ called here longterm facilitation. 2. Dissection of the behaviour into its components, both by experimental techniques and observation of atypical cases, shows the swimming reaction not to be simply a chain of reflexes, but to be ‘centrally’; co-ordinated. 3. The conditions for electrical elicitation of swimming are shocks sufficient in intensity to activate the through-conducting nerve net repeated eight times in the frequency range of 1/2 sec. to 4/sec. Fewer than 8 shocks constitute a subthreshold stimulus in fresh animals; more than 8 are rarely required. 4. Repeated subthreshold stimulation by starfish or by 7 electric shocks result in a long-lasting facilitated state in which the same stimulus repeated hours later may produce a full response. The facilitated condition has been observed to last 7 days. Controls kept without stimulation do not show facilitation. 5. The probable site of this long-term facilitation is discussed. It is suggested that this site is at the point of convergence of the two types of stimulation used and between the through-conducting nerve net and the responding muscles.

Nonadrenergic inhibitory innervation to the airways of the newborn cat

1989 ◽  
Vol 66 (4) ◽  
pp. 1995-2000 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. Waldron ◽  
B. J. Connelly ◽  
J. T. Fisher
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Stimulus Frequency ◽  
Dynamic Compliance ◽  
Cholinergic Innervation ◽  
Vagus Nerves ◽  
Inhibitory System ◽  
Mechanically Ventilated ◽  
Inspiratory Resistance ◽  
Stimulating Electrodes ◽  
Slow Onset

Vagal, nonadrenergic inhibitory system (NAIS) innervation to airway smooth muscle has been demonstrated in adults of several species, including humans. However, the functional status of this system in newborns is not known. The NAIS of intestinal smooth muscle has been demonstrated in newborns and develops in parallel with cholinergic innervation (14). Since the lung is derived embryologically from the foregut and cholinergic innervation is operative at birth, we tested the hypothesis that NAIS innervation to the airways is functional in newborn cats. Nineteen cats (2–11 days of age) were anesthetized with chloralose-urethan, and a tracheal cannula was inserted. The chest was opened and the animals were mechanically ventilated. The cervical vagus nerves were separated from the sympathetics, cut, and placed on stimulating electrodes. Mean inspiratory resistance (RL, I) and dynamic compliance (Cdyn, L) were measured on a breath-by-breath basis. Atropine and propranolol were administered (2 mg/kg iv) to block cholinergic and adrenergic pathways, respectively. Subsequently, serotonin infusion was used to increase RL, I approximately 150%. Stimulation (10 s) at frequencies ranging from 2 to 20/s caused a slow-onset (30 s to peak) long-lasting decrease in RL, I and a much smaller increase in Cdyn, L. The magnitude and duration of the bronchodilation increased with stimulus frequency to a plateau at approximately 15/s. At a stimulus frequency of 2/s, RL, I decreased 11 +/- 1.9 vs 36 +/- 4.8% (SE) at 20/s, whereas Cdyn, L increased 2 +/- 1.1 vs. 6 +/- 1.7%, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Nonlinear Tension Summation of Different Combinations of Motor Units in the Anesthetized Cat Peroneus Longus Muscle

1999 ◽  
Vol 81 (2) ◽  
pp. 771-780 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Troiani ◽  
G. M. Filippi ◽  
F. Andreasi Bassi
Keyword(s):  
Stimulus Frequency ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Motor Units ◽  
Linear Summation ◽  
Peroneus Longus ◽  
Longus Muscle ◽  
The Individual ◽  
And Shifts ◽  
Stimulation Of ◽  
Anesthetized Cat

Nonlinear tension summation of different combinations of motor units in the anesthetized cat peroneus longus muscle. The purpose of this study was to examine the linearity of summation of the forces produced by the stimulation of different combinations of type identified motor units (MUs) in the cat peroneus longus muscle (PL) under isometric conditions. The muscle was fixed at its twitch optimal length, and the tension produced by the single MU was recorded during 24- and 72-Hz stimulation. The summation analysis was first carried out for MUs belonging to the same functional group, and then different combinations of fast fatigable (FF) MUs were added to the nonfatigable slow (S) and fatigue resistant (FR) group. The tension resulting from the combined stimulation of increasing numbers of MUs (measured tension) was evaluated and compared with the linearly predicted value, calculated by adding algebraically the tension produced by the individual MUs assembled in the combination (calculated tension). Tension summation displayed deviations from linearity. S and FR MUs mainly showed marked more than linear summation; FF MUs yielded either more or less than linear summation; and, when the FF units were recruited after the S and FR MUs, less than linear summation always occurred. The magnitude of the nonlinear summation appeared stimulus frequency dependent for the fatigable FF and FI group. The relationship between measured tension and calculated tension for each MU combination was examined, and linear regression lines were fitted to each set of data. The high correlation coefficients and the different slope values for the different MU-type combinations suggested that the nonlinear summation was MU-type specific. The mechanisms of nonlinear summations are discussed by considering the consequences of internal shortening and thus the mechanical interactions among MUs and shifts in muscle fiber length to a more or less advantageous portion of single MU length-tension curves.

Response properties and synaptic connections of mechanoafferent neurons in cerebral ganglion of Aplysia

1979 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 954-974 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. C. Rosen ◽  
K. R. Weiss ◽  
I. Kupfermann
Keyword(s):  
Receptive Field ◽  
Motor Neurons ◽  
Receptive Fields ◽  
Cerebral Ganglion ◽  
The Body ◽  
Sensory Response ◽  
Tactile Stimuli ◽  
Dorsal Portion ◽  
Intracellular Stimulation ◽  
Stimulation Of

1. The cells of two clusters of small neurons on the ventrocaudal surface of each hemicerebral ganglion of Aplysia were found to exhibit action potentials following tactile stimuli applied to the skin of the head. These neurons appear to be mechanosensory afferents since they possess axons in the nerves innervating the skin and tactile stimulation evokes spikes with no prepotentials, even when the cell bodies are sufficiently hyperpolarized to block some spikes. The mechanosensory afferents may be primary afferents since the sensory response persists after chemical synaptic transmission is blocked by bathing the ganglion and peripheral structures in seawater with a high-Mg2+ and low-Ca2+ content. 2. The mechanosensory afferents are normally silent and are insensitive to photic, thermal, and chemical stimuli. A punctate tactile stimulus applied to a circumscribed region of skin can evoke a burst of spikes. If the stimulus is maintained at a constant forces, the mechanosensory response slowly adapts over a period of seconds. Repeated brief stimuli have little or no effect on spike frequency within a burst. 3. Approximately 81% of the mechanoafferent neurons have a single ipsilateral receptive field. The fields are located on the lips, the anterior tentacles, the dorsal portion of the head, the neck, or the perioral zone. Because many cells have collateral axons in the cerebral connectives, receptive fields elsewhere on the body are a possibility. The highest receptive-field density was associated with the lips. Within each area, receptive fields vary in size and shape. Adjacent fields overlap and larger fields frequently encompass several smaller ones. The features of some fields appear invariant from one animal to the next. A loose form of topographic organization of the mechanoafferent cells was observed. For example, cells located in the medial cluster have lip receptive fields, and most cells in the posterolateral portion of the lateral clusters have tentacle receptive fields. 4. Intracellular stimulation of individual mechanoafferents evokes short and constant-latency EPSPs in putative motor neurons comprising the identified B-cell clusters of the cerebral ganglion. On the basis of several criteria, these EPSPs appear to be several criteria, these EPSPs appear to be chemically mediated and are monosynaptic. 5. Repetitive intracellular stimulation of individual mechanoafferent neurons at low rates results in a gradual decrement in the amplitude of the EPSPs evoked in B cluster neurons. EPSP amplitude can be restored following brief periods of rest, but subsequent stimulation leads to further diminution of the response. 6. A decremented response cannot be restored by strong mechanical stimulation outside the receptive field of the mechanoafferent or by electrical stimulation of the cerebral nerves or connectives...

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document