Force dependent response reversal mediated by low- and high-threshold afferents from the same mechanoreceptor in a crayfish leg.

Abstract

1. The reflex responses initiated by cuticular stress detector one (CSD1) afferents in anterior levator motor neurnons in the fifth walking leg of crayfish were studied in an in vitro preparation by means of intracellular recordings. 2. The response in the anterior levator reversed with strong mechanical stimulation. Inhibitory responses were correlated with the activation of low-threshold CSD1 units, excitatory responses with the activation of high-threshold CSD1 units. Two opposing reflexes thus originate from the same sense organ at different levels of stimulation. 3. Some low-threshold units were inactive at stimulus strengths that activated the high-threshold units. Other low-threshold units remained active. Their reflex effects were reduced by either pre- or postsynaptic mechanisms. 4. Functionally, this force dependent response reversal could be important in switching from postural/locomotor responses to defensive responses such as limb autotomy.