Journal article

Publication year: 1998

Pages: 81-89

Journal: Journal of Neuroscience Methods

Volume number: 80

Issue number: 1

ISSN: 0165-0270

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0165-0270(97)00205-7

Publisher: Elsevier

Abstract: 
Central neuronal circuits of vertebrates have often been investigated using injection of markers into synaptic neuropils, whereas similar techniques have rarely been applied in invertebrates. In this study we tested several neuroanatomical tracers for their ability to mark central neuronal circuits in insects, using the well described auditory network of the locust, Locusta migratoria. After physiological localization of an auditory neuropil various tracers were pressure injected. Horseradish peroxidase, dextrans (3 and 10 kDa) and especially biocytin and neurobiotin were effectively incorporated by auditory interneurons, which resulted in their extensive labeling. Postsynaptic regions turned out to be the major, if not exclusive sites of uptake of injected markers, which is deduced from two lines of evidence: (i) for labeling of identified auditory neurons it was necessary to apply the tracer to postsynaptic sites of the neuron; (ii) only a few non-auditory neurons were labeled (probably by lesioning axons during electrode impalement). No evidence could be found for an activity dependent uptake. We conclude that pressure injection of certain tracers into synaptic areas can be used to identify central nervous circuits in insects.

Harvard Citation style: Heinrich, R., Jacobs, K. and Lakes-Harlan, R. (1998) Tracing of a neuronal network in the locust by pressure injection of markers into a synaptic neuropil, Journal of Neuroscience Methods, 80(1), pp. 81-89. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0165-0270(97)00205-7

APA Citation style: Heinrich, R., Jacobs, K., & Lakes-Harlan, R. (1998). Tracing of a neuronal network in the locust by pressure injection of markers into a synaptic neuropil. Journal of Neuroscience Methods. 80(1), 81-89. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0165-0270(97)00205-7