How Nitric Oxide Affects Feeding in Aplysia
Author Information
Author(s): Miller Nimrod, Saada Ravit, Fishman Shlomi, Hurwitz Itay, Susswein Abraham J.
Primary Institution: The Leslie and Susan Gonda (Goldschmied) Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
Hypothesis
Can neural activity also be affected by NO produced in neurons in the absence of spiking?
Conclusion
Self-inhibitory, tonic NO production is a novel mechanism for the modulation of neural activity.
Supporting Evidence
- Applying an NO scavenger to quiescent Aplysia buccal ganglia initiated fictive feeding.
- B31/B32 neurons produce NO tonically without action potentials.
- Blocking NO while voltage-clamping revealed an inward leak current.
Takeaway
Nitric oxide helps control how Aplysia eat by stopping their neurons from firing too much when they're not actively feeding.
Methodology
The study used NO scavengers and blockers on isolated Aplysia neurons to observe their effects on feeding behavior.
Participant Demographics
Aplysia californica (5–200 g)
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.02
Statistical Significance
p=0.02
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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