Synaptic transmission in the 7th abdominal ganglion of the scorpion, Heterometrus fulvipes (C. Koch).

Electrical recordings made from the peripheral nerves of the 7th abdominal ganglion in the scorpion, H. fulvipes showed pronounced activity on ipsilateral stimulation of the connective and minimum activity on the contralateral side. Measurement of conduction velocities and synaptic delays indicated that ipsilateral pathways are probably monosynaptic and excitatory, while contralateral pathways might be polysynaptic and inhibitory. The nature of transmission has been suggested to be chemical.

Effect of ventral nerve cord transection on metabolic parameters in the nervous system of the cockroach, Periplaneta americana L.

Periplaneta americana were subjected to unilateral transection of the ventral nerve cord, and the levels of soluble and total proteins and total carbohydrates were determined 30 days postoperatively. Total proteins showed a decrease while soluble proteins and total carbohydrates showed an elevation. These changes were correlated with the generation of giant fibers in the ventral nerve cord.