Processing of calling songs by an L-shaped neuron in the prothoracic ganglion of the female cricket, Acheta domesticus

ABSTRACT. An L-shaped auditory intemeuron (LI) has been recorded from extracellularly and intracellularly, and identified morphologically (by Lucifer yellow or cobalt injection) in the prothoracic ganglion of mature female Acheta domesticus. The morphology of the LI is very similar to ascending, prothoracic acoustic interneurons that are most sensitive to higher carrier frequencies in both A. domesticus and other gryllid species. Its terminations in the brain are similar to ascending acoustic interneurons found in other gryllids. The LI neuron is most sensitive to 4–5 kHz model calling songs (CSs), the main carrier frequency of the natural call. Thresholds to high frequencies (8–15 kHz) are 15–20 dB higher. Increasing CS intensities of up to 15 dB above threshold at 4–5 kHz result in increased firing rates by the LI. More than 15 dB increase in intensity causes saturation with little increase in spiking rate until the intensity surpasses 80 dB. In response to 70 dB or higher stimulus intensities, the LI responds to the second and third CS syllables with one or two spikes, pauses, and then produces a burst of nerve impulses with the same or greater latency than for lower intensity stimuli. In response to CS syllables of changing duration (10–30 ms) this neuron responds with a rather constant duration burst of impulses. Syllable periods of the CS stimuli were accurately encoded by the LI. Progressively stronger injection of hyperpolarizing current reduces, and ultimately stops spiking of the LI in response to CS stimuli. More intense stimulation with reduced hyperpolarization shows an initial spike, pause and burst of spikes. Intracellular recording from axonal regions of the neuron shows large spikes, small EPSPs and a developing hyperpolarization through the response to a CS chirp. Inhibitory input to the LI is demonstrated at 4.5, 8 and 16 kHz. This probably explains the specialized response characteristics of the LI which enhanced its encoding of CS syllable period.