Monitoring neuronal activity during discrete behaviors: a crawling, swimming and shortening device for tethered leeches

Abstract

An apparatus is described which facilities continuous electrophysiological recordings in segmental ganglia of leeches while the animal performs different behavioral patterns: crawling, swimming or shortening. Both the behaviors and neuronal recordings are monitored by a video camera system and can be evaluated simultaneously. The device is well suited to investigate questions of behavioral choice and neuronal decision-making mechanisms in these animals. It can also be modified to study the neural control of behavior in other aquatic animals, such as snails.