| Abstract: | Procerebrum is the central part of the olfactory system in terrestrial snails. Spontaneous rhythmic oscillations were described in this structure. The role of these oscillations in the mechanisms of odor perception and discrimination is unknown yet. Electrical activity of the Helix procerebrum was recorded in vivo. Changes in spontaneous rhythmic oscillations in response to olfactory stimulation were observed. Within the first 10 s after odor application (cineole) in low concentration, a statistically significant decrease in the frequency and increase in the amplitude of procerebrum oscillations were revealed in freely behaving animals. Timing of those changes corresponded to the time of defensive reaction realization of the tentacle withdrawal. The increase in the amplitude and a tendency to a decrease in the frequency of oscillations in response to odor application in high concentration were observed in time period 11-20 s, which corresponded to an increased duration of tentacle withdrawal. The results suggest an implicit relation of the amplitude and frequency of oscillations in odor perception and discrimination. |
