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Home > Experiments > Experiment: Neuropharmacology - Excitatory Neurotransmitters
  • Invertebrate Invertebrate
  • University College Level

Excitatory Neurotransmission – Boosting Neural Activity in Insects

Understanding excitatory neurotransmission provides critical insights into how the nervous system modulates sensory responses. In this experiment, you'll explore how nicotine—an excitatory neurotransmitter—can significantly increase neural firing rates, highlighting key mechanisms underlying sensory processing.

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About experiment

What Will You Learn?

What Will You Learn?

  • How excitatory neurotransmitters influence neural activity in insect sensory systems.
  • Techniques for recording and analyzing neural responses to chemical stimulation.
  • The specific effects of nicotine on the cricket cercal sensory system.
Background

Background

Neurotransmitters modulate sensory inputs by increasing or decreasing neuron firing rates. In crickets, nicotine acts as an excitatory neurotransmitter, significantly amplifying neural responses in the sensory cercal system, which detects air movements. This experiment lets you observe how nicotine enhances neural signaling, illustrating fundamental excitatory mechanisms.

Procedure

Preparation:

  1. Briefly anesthetize a cricket by placing it in ice water.
  2. Secure the cricket onto a stable surface, leaving the cerci unobstructed.

Electrode Placement:

  1. Place the recording electrode near a cercus.
  2. Secure optimal electrical contact with conductive gel.<./li>
Baseline Recording:

Baseline Recording:

  1. Record baseline neural responses by stimulating cerci with gentle air puffs.
  2. Capture multiple trials to establish a consistent baseline response.
Neurotransmitter Testing:

Neurotransmitter Testing:

  1. Nicotine Application:
  2. Prepare a nicotine solution from tobacco leaves soaked in water.
  3. Apply a small amount near the cricket's cerci.
  4. Record neural responses after nicotine application.
Results & Analysis

Results & Analysis

Notice an increase in the firing rate and amplitude of spikes following nicotine application.

Analyze how nicotine binding to receptors enhances neural excitability and response

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