Interrelation between action potential and miniature electrical oscillation in the tymbal muscle of the cicada.

Abstract

1. Extra-and intra-cellular recordings of action potentials and miniature electrical oscillation (MEO) in the tymbal muscle and the recording of vocal vibration were performed with the tymbal nerve-tymbal muscle preparation of some cicadae.2. MEO had a characteristic interval (T) which was specific in respective species and was liable to synchronize with interval near about T or its integral multiples.3. Repetitive action potentials caused by single shock related closely with MEO and the intervals corresponded to T, 2T, …4. The intervals of spontaneously discharged action potentials in a preparation innervated by mesothoracic ganglion also corresponded to T, 2T, … of MEO.5. The repetition of vocal vibration was related to the action potential in ratio of 1: 1, so that the intervals of the former also corresponded to T, 2T, …6. The muscle showed best responsibility for the stimulation in the frequency of 1/T, 1/2T, …7. Therefore, it was recognized that the muscle was governed not only with nervous innervation but also with its characteristic interval (T) which was determined by the synchronization of MEO.