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The Journal of Neuroscience, September 15, 2000, 20(18):6950-6961

Remodeling of Membrane Properties and Dendritic Architecture Accompanies the Postembryonic Conversion of a Slow into a Fast Motoneuron

Carsten Duch and R. B. Levine

Division of Neurobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721

The postembryonic acquisition of behavior requires alterations in neuronal circuitry, which ultimately must be understood as specific changes in neuronal structure, membrane properties, and synaptic connectivity. This study addresses this goal by describing the postembryonic remodeling of the excitability and dendritic morphology of an identified motoneuron, MN5, which during the metamorphosis of Manduca sexta (L.) changes from a slow motoneuron that is involved in larval-crawling behavior into a fast adult flight motoneuron. A fivefold lower input resistance, a higher firing threshold, and an increase in voltage-activated K⁺ current contribute to a lower excitability of the adult MN5, which is a prerequisite for its newly acquired behavioral role. In addition, the adult MN5 displays larger Ca²⁺ currents. The dendrites of MN5 undergo extensive remodeling. Drastic regression of larval dendrites during early pupal stages is followed by rapid growth of new dendrites. Critical changes in excitability take place during the onset of adult dendrite formation. Larval Ca²⁺ currents are absent when dendritic remodeling is most dramatic but increase markedly during later development. Changes in Ca²⁺ and K⁺ currents follow different time courses, allowing the transient occurrence of Ca²⁺ spikes during pupal stages when new dendritic branching ceases. The adult MN5 can produce prolonged Ca²⁺ spikes after K⁺ currents are reduced. We suggest that alterations in Ca²⁺ and K⁺ currents are necessary for the participation of MN5 in flight behavior and that the transient production of Ca²⁺ spikes may influence postembryonic dendritic remodeling.

Key words: postembryonic development; calcium current; potassium current; neuronal differentiation; insect; Manduca sexta; CNS; flight behavior

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Copyright © 2000 Society for Neuroscience  0270-6474/00/20186950-12$05.00/0

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