Axonal mapping of neurosecretory Helix bursting cells

Abstract

1. 1. The mapping of the axonal branches from the Br bursting neuron of Helix pomatia was made using electrophysiological and staining methods. 2. 2. Visceral nerve stimulation at increasing intensities produced graded antidromic spikes from, at least, 12 axon branches. 3. 3. Lucifer yellow-injected cells confirmed the existence of up to 26 axon branches in the visceral nerve. 4. 4. In the visceral ganglion a second burster styled Br' shared a number of electrophysiological and morphological properties in common with the Br cell. 5. 5. The two bursters contain similar elementary neurosecretory granules. 6. 6. Br sent an axon bundle in the visceral nerve and others within the axon bundle of the Br cell. 7. 7. This anatomical structure might be the basis of the slight and slow modulation exerted by Br upon Br', which resulted in phase relationship between the two bursters.