Inhibitory and modulatory inputs to the vocal central pattern generator of a teleost fish

摘要: Vocalization is a behavioral feature that shared among multiple vertebrate lineages, including fish. The temporal patterning of vocal communication signals set, in part, by central pattern generators (CPGs). Toadfishes are well-established models for CPG coding vocalization at the hindbrain level. comprises three topographically separate nuclei: pre-pacemaker, pacemaker, motor. While connectivity between these nuclei well understood, their neurochemical profile remains largely unexplored. highly Gulf toadfish, Opsanus beta, has been subject previous behavioral, neuroanatomical and neurophysiological studies. Combining transneuronal neurobiotin-labeling with immunohistochemistry, we map distribution inhibitory neurotransmitters neuromodulators along gap junctions this species. Dense GABAergic glycinergic label found throughout CPG, labeled somata immediately adjacent to or within nuclei, distinct subset pacemaker neurons co-labeled neurobiotin glycine. Neurobiotin-labeled motor densely junction protein connexin 35/36, supporting hypothesis occurs, least via coupling. Serotonergic catecholaminergic also robust entire additional cholinergic prepacemaker nuclei. Likely sources putative modulatory inputs neurons. Together prior investigations, results reveal potential mechanisms generating classes social context-dependent vocalizations widely divergent spectral properties.