An Excitatory/Inhibitory Switch From Asymmetric Sensory Neurons Defines Postsynaptic Tuning for a Rapid Response to NaCl in Caenorhabditis elegans.

ABSTRACT: The neural networks that regulate animal behaviors are encoded in terms of neuronal excitation and inhibition at the synapse. However, how the temporal activity of neural circuits is dynamically and precisely characterized by each signaling interaction via excitatory or inhibitory synapses, and how both synaptic patterns are organized to achieve fine regulation of circuit activities is unclear. Here, we show that in Caenorhabditis elegans, the excitatory/inhibitory switch from asymmetric sensory neurons (ASEL/R) following changes in NaCl concentration is required for a rapid and fine response in postsynaptic interneurons (AIBs). We found that glutamate released by the ASEL neuron inhibits AIBs via a glutamate-gated chloride channel localized at the distal region of AIB neurites. Conversely

SUBMITTER: Kuramochi M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6333676 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature