Abstract
Small, high-impedance neurons with short processes, similar to those found in the soil nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, are predicted to transmit electrical signals by passive propagation. However, we have found that certain neurons in C. elegans fire regenerative action potentials. These neurons resembled Schmitt triggers, as their potential state appears to be bistable. Transitions between up and down states could be triggered by application of the neurotransmitter glutamate or brief current pulses.
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Acknowledgements
We thank M. Vetter and members of the Maricq laboratory for comments on the manuscript and the Caenorhabditis Genetic Center, funded by the US National Institutes of Health National Center for Resources, for C. elegans strains. This research was made possible by support from the US National Institutes of Health (grant NS35812).
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J.E.M. carried out the electrophysiological experiments and participated in data analysis. P.J.B. generated strains, participated in data analysis and helped prepare the manuscript. D.M.M. provided molecular biology expertise and A.V.M. supervised the experiments, participated in data analysis and wrote the manuscript.
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Mellem, J., Brockie, P., Madsen, D. et al. Action potentials contribute to neuronal signaling in C. elegans. Nat Neurosci 11, 865–867 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/nn.2131
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nn.2131
