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A circadian clock in the Limulus brain transmits synchronous efferent signals to all eyes

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 June 2009

Leonard Kass  and
Robert B. Barlow Jr
Leonard Kass
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, University of Maine, Orono
Robert B. Barlow Jr
Affiliation:
Institute for Sensory Research, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY
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Abstract

A circadian clock in the brain of the horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus, has an important role in the function of the peripheral visual system. At night, the clock transmits neural activity to the lateral, ventral, and median eyes via efferent optic nerve fibers. The activity occurs in synchronous bursts (maximum rate of 2 bursts/s) with individual efferent fibers contributing a single spike in each burst. The circadian efferent activity originates in the protocerebrum. Lateral connections synchronize the efferent activity recorded from the two halves of the protocerebrum, suggesting the existence of bilateral circadian oscillators. Circadian efferent activity survives excision of the brain and isolation of the protocerebrum. We conclude that circadian clock and its complex neural circuitry are fundamental components of the Limulus visual system.

Keywords

LimulusCircadian clockEfferent activitySynchronous oscillationsNeural circuitry
Type
Research Articles
Information
Visual Neuroscience , Volume 9 , Issue 5 , November 1992 , pp. 493 - 504
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1992

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