The selective action of opioid peptides on excitability and the various sensory inputs of defensive behavior command neurons LPl1 and RPl1 of the common snail.

Abstract

The nature of the effects of opioid peptides on the properties of electrogenic membranes and the responses of defensive behavior command neurons LPl1 and RPl1, evoked by sensory stimuli of different modalities and application sites was studied in semi-intact preparations from common snails. Application of met-enkephalin (10 microM) to the snail CNS produced increases in membrane excitability along with facilitation of responses to application of dilute quinine solution to the animal's head and depression of responses to tactile stimulation of the head. Met-enkephalin (0.1 microM) produced only depression of responses to tactile stimulation of the head. Application of leu-enkephalin (10 microM) was accompanied by depression of responses to tactile stimulation of the head. Membrane excitability and responses to chemical sensory stimulation during application showed no change during application of this peptide. These effects of both peptides appeared 10-20 min from the start of application and lasted 15-30 min after washing was started. In addition, facilitation of the responses of neurons to chemical sensory stimulation was seen 30-50 min after the start of leu-enkephalin application. The responses of neurons to tactile stimulation of the snail's foot were not altered by application of peptides. The neuronal effects of peptides were suppressed by simultaneous application of naloxone (50 microM). Thus, we observed the selective action of opioid peptides on the synaptic plasticity of neurons LPl1 and RPl1, both in relation to the location of sensory stimulation and in relation to sensory modality.