Anatomy and physiology of neurons with processes in the accessory medulla of the cockroach Leucophaea maderae.

摘要: The accessory medulla (AMe), a small neuropil in the insect optic lobe, has been proposed to serve circadian pacemaker function analogous role of suprachiasmatic nucleus mammals. Building upon considerable knowledge system cockroach Leucophaea maderae, we investigated properties AMe neurons this with intracellular recordings combined dye injections. Responses processes visual stimuli, including stationary white light, moving objects, and polarized light were compared responses adjacent tangential neurons. Neurons additional ramifications strongly responded stimuli might, therefore, be part photic entrainment pathways clock. Accessory lacking significant but projections midbrain or contralateral contrast, weakly not at all and, thus, seem clock's output pathway. Two types commissural arborizations both medullae sensitive suggesting these celestial navigation. Sidebranches AMae one two cell are discussed respect possible involvement polarization vision. Finally, responding movement did arborize AMe. results show that receives input support timekeeping functions. J. Comp. Neurol. 439:193–207, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.