Switching of a neuron from one network to another by sensory-induced changes in membrane properties

Science. 1989 Jun 30;244(4912):1587-9. doi: 10.1126/science.2740903.

Abstract

A neuron that is an integral member of the pyloric neural network of the lobster stomatogastric nervous system leaves this network and instead fires exclusively with another stomatogastric nervous system network, the cardiac sac network, whenever the cardiac sac network is active. This switch is associated with the neuron losing, in a long-lasting fashion, regenerative oscillatory membrane properties that underlie its participation in the pyloric network. Functional membership of neurons in central networks is thus not fixed, and long-lasting neuromodulatory influences, controlled at least in part by sensory inputs, can switch neurons from one network to another.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials
  • Animals
  • Cell Membrane / physiology
  • Electric Stimulation
  • Membrane Potentials
  • Nephropidae / physiology*
  • Nervous System / cytology
  • Nervous System Physiological Phenomena*
  • Neural Pathways / cytology
  • Neural Pathways / physiology
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Stomach / innervation