Electrophysiological responses from receptor neurons in mosquito maxillary palp sensilla.

摘要: We recently completed an electrophysiological study of the receptor neurons found in sensilla basiconica on maxillary palps mosquitoes. Our results describe a class whose properties could provide afferent input required for some aspects CO2-modulated host-locating behaviour. First, these have apparent thresholds (150-300 ppm) which are at, or below, concentration CO2 (300-330 normally reported ambient air. Second, their concentration-response functions steep, such that small (50 fluctuations elicit reliable changes activity. Third, they behave like absolute detectors ability to respond step increases is little influenced by background CO2. And fourth, linear extrapolation observed response function levels might be expected near vertebrate hosts suggests sufficient dynamic range cover those concentrations should encountered during large portion behaviour likely involved host location. The mosquito neuron thus has appropriately low threshold and steep function, it not desensitized stimulation, appropriate distribution environment. In addition, this sensillum contains two other neurons, neither One responds stimulation with very doses another behaviourally relevant compound, 1-octen-3-ol.