The effect of single giant interneuron lesions on wind-evoked motor responses in the cockroach, Periplaneta americana

Abstract

In order to determine the contribution of individual giant interneurons (GIs) to wind-evoked motor outputs, responses were recorded from depressor and levator motor neurons in the cockroach Periplaneta americana to wind puffs of different directions. The depressor response was generally stronger to wind from the ipsilateral rear than to wind from the contralateral rear. The levator response was more variable but was more often stronger to wind from the contralateral rear than to wind from the ipsilateral rear. These results are as expected based on behavioral responses to wind puffs. (Camhi and Tom, 1978). The depressor response was nearly or totally abolished by severing the ipsilateral connective of the nerve cord but was little affected by severing the contralateral connective. The levator response was greatly reduced for some angles by severing the ipsilateral connective and for other angles by severing the contralateral connective. Blocking conduction in the ipsilateral GI 5 nearly or completely abolished the depressor response to wind from the ipsilateral rear. This is the first time that a GI has been shown to be necessary, not just sufficient, for a given motor output.