Locomotor rhythms in the pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis: site of origin and neurotransmitter requirements

Abstract

1. We have found that, in preparations of isolated CNS of the pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis, both serotonin (5HT) and dopamine (DA), as well as their respective precursors, 5HTP and DOPA, are effective in producing fictive intense (muscular) locomotion. 2. Phase-coupled to each of the above pedal rhythms are numerous identifiable pedal neurons including the respiratory interneuron RPeD1, thus suggesting interaction between networks responsible for locomotion and air breathing. 3. The novel DA/DOPA-dependent motor rhythm resembles the 5HT/5HTP-dependent one in terms of activity of identifiable pedal neurons, being however considerably slower than the latter. 4. The results of transection experiments suggest that each of the rhythms is generated by a paired CPG lying entirely within the pedal ganglia.