Nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated in many physiological processes including the modulation of neural networks in vertebrate and invertebrate olfaction. The Manduca sexta antennal lobe (AL) is a promising system for studying mechanisms of nitrergic neuromodulation, as many characteristics of this system have been thoroughly detailed. Based on preliminary immunohistochemical, NO fluorescence, and electrophysiological data, the hypothesis of this study is that NO is involved in modulating the strength of inhibitory synaptic transmission in the AL. NO may be modulating inhibition either indirectly, by affecting the excitability of GABAergic LNs, or directly, by modulating GABA receptors. Therefore, the first aims of this study are to elucidate which AL neurons are affected by NO through intracellular recordings and pharmacology, and to characterize the features of these cells, including their morphology and/or soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) expression. Next, multi-unit extracellular recordings will be completed to confirm that NO is involved in modulating inhibition in populations of AL neurons, and also to test how much of this modulation is due to sGC signaling. Finally, to further study how NO could be affecting GABA signaling, GABA receptors will be cloned and localized and their expression pattern characterized. These results are crucial for understanding links between inhibitory processing and NO signaling in the AL.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31DC006368-03
Application #
6928503
Study Section
Communication Disorders Review Committee (CDRC)
Program Officer
Sklare, Dan
Project Start
2003-08-21
Project End
2006-02-20
Budget Start
2005-08-21
Budget End
2006-02-20
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2005
Total Cost
$16,457
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Arizona
Department
Type
Organized Research Units
DUNS #
806345617
City
Tucson
State
AZ
Country
United States
Zip Code
85721
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Wilson, Caroline H; Christensen, Thomas A; Nighorn, Alan J (2007) Inhibition of nitric oxide and soluble guanylyl cyclase signaling affects olfactory neuron activity in the moth, Manduca sexta. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 193:715-28