Single-channel studies in molluscan neurons.

Abstract

Throughout the modern history of neuroscience, molluscs have served as a model system to disclose the neuronal basis of cell-to-cell communication and the underlying mechanisms of neuronal excitability. The ease with which individual neurons within a particular molluscan species can be recognized led to the establishment of in vitro preparations ranging from the isolated squid axon nerve to single-cell culture systems. Hence it became possible to study the effects of the various neurotransmitters, second messengers, and toxic substances on properties of single identified neurons.