Characterization of an optic lobe circadian pacemaker by in situ and in vitro recording of neural activity in the cricket, Gryllus bimaculatus

Abstract

The nature of the circadian rhythms of the optic lamina-medulla compound eye complex was examined in male crickets Gryllus bimaculatus by recording the multiple unit activity from the optic lobe in situ and in vitro. In most in situ preparations, the neural activity of the complex was higher during the subjective night than during the subjective day, both under constant light and dark. The same pattern was also obtained from nymphal crickets, suggesting that the properties of the pacemaker are common to both nymphs and adults. In a few cases, both diurnal and nocturnal increments in the activity were simultaneously observed, indicating there are two neuronal groups conveying different circadian information. The circadian rhythm was also demonstrated in the optic lobes in vitro, providing evidence that the optic lobe contains the circadian pacemaker that is capable of generating the rhythmicity without any neural or humoral factors from the rest of the animal.