Journal article
Central projections of peripheral mechanosensory cells with increased excitability in Drosophila mosaics
Developmental biology, Vol.131(2), pp.505-514
1989
DOI: 10.1016/S0012-1606(89)80021-1
PMID: 2912806
Abstract
The formation and maintenance of the central projections of identified bristle mechanosensory neurons with altered excitability were examined in
Drosophila mosaics. Two mutants,
eag (ether à go-go) and
Sh (Shaker), are known to increase excitability of both nerve and muscle cells and enhance synaptic transmission by affecting different types of K
+ currents. The
eag Sh double mutant produces a synergistic effect, resulting in a greatly increased level of spontaneous neuronal activity and extreme behavioral phenotypes. By constructing mosaic flies containing small patches of doubly mutant cuticle, it was possible to alter the excitability of only one or two identified sensory cells without affecting the surrounding tissue. In these mosaic flies, the doubly mutant sensory cells were more responsive to tactile stimulation. A CoCl
2 backfilling technique was utilized in staining the sensory cell projections. Both qualitative and quantitative comparisons were made between projections of cells having normal and increased levels of excitability. The length, branching characteristics, and number of terminal varicosities were analyzed for each sensory cell projection. Results indicate that, at the light microscopy level, these characteristics were not obviously altered by an increased level of excitability.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Central projections of peripheral mechanosensory cells with increased excitability in Drosophila mosaics
- Creators
- Martin G BurgChun-Fang Wu
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Developmental biology, Vol.131(2), pp.505-514
- Publisher
- Elsevier Inc
- DOI
- 10.1016/S0012-1606(89)80021-1
- PMID
- 2912806
- ISSN
- 0012-1606
- eISSN
- 1095-564X
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 1989
- Academic Unit
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute; Biology
- Record Identifier
- 9984070219402771
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