Descending protocerebral neurons related to the mating dance of the male silkworm moth

Brain Res. 1986 Jul 9;377(2):378-82. doi: 10.1016/0006-8993(86)90885-1.

Abstract

Descending protocerebral neurons in the male silkworm moth brain responding to the sexual pheromone (Bombykol) were identified. The neurons responded well with a tonic type of response and the high-frequency spikes evoked continued even after the end of the stimulus. Characteristics of the dose-response curves of the neurons to the pheromone remarkably resembled those of the wing vibration which is one of the mating behavioral components of the male moths.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bombyx / physiology*
  • Ganglia / drug effects
  • Ganglia / physiology*
  • Interneurons / physiology
  • Male
  • Pheromones / physiology*
  • Sex Attractants / pharmacology
  • Sex Attractants / physiology*
  • Sexual Behavior, Animal / physiology*

Substances

  • Pheromones
  • Sex Attractants