0000000000889951
AUTHOR
Abraham J. Susswein
Pheromones linked to sexual behaviors excite the appetitive phase of feeding behavior of Aplysia fasciata II. Excitation of C-PR, a neuron involved in the generation of appetitive behaviors
Pheromones presumably released by conspecifics amplify both the appetitive and the consummatory components of feeding in Aplysia. These effects can be mimicked by administering homogenate of the large hermaphroditic duct containing atrial gland tissue, as well as peptides from the bag cells. Identified cerebro-pedal regulator (C-PR) neuron is thought to command various behaviors that comprise the appetitive phase of feeding. In a reduced preparation, we investigated the effects on the C-PR of applying these substances to the rhinophores, the sensory organs which detect pheromones. Stimuli that excite feeding in the animal were also found to affect the C-PR. Large hermaphroditic duct homogen…
Pheromones linked to sexual behaviors excite the appetitive phase of feeding behavior of Aplysia fasciata . I. Modulation and excitation of appetitive behaviors
Pheromones presumably secreted by mating conspecifics – as well as homogenates containing tissue that is homologous with the atrial gland – increase the time that Aplysia fasciata spend feeding. This effect is caused by increasing the number of feeding episodes initiated in response to food, whereas the duration of a feeding bout remains unchanged. The increase in the number of feeding episodes is related to increases in head waving and crawling, i.e., appetitive movements that bring the animal into contact with food, as well as an increase in the responsiveness to food after it is contacted. Releasing a homogenate containing atrial gland tissue, or egg laying hormone, in the water near the…