Inhibition by efferent nerve fibres: action on hair cells and afferent synaptic transmission in the lateral line canal organ of the burbot Lota lota.

Abstract

Intracellular recordings were made from morphologically identified hair cells in the lateral line canal organs of the burbot L. lota. IPSP [Inhibitory postsynaptic potentials] were recorded from hair cells when the efferent fibers were excited by electrical stimulation of the lateral line nerve. The IPSP were abolished when the fish was injected with immobilizing concentration of Flaxedil known to block the efferent synapses. The IPSP were accompanied by a decrese in the resistance of the hair cell membrane and an increase in the intracellular receptor potential. Spontaneous and mechanically evoked excitatory PSP which were recorded intracellularly from the post-synaptic afferent nerve terminals were reduced in amplitude for the duration of the IPSP.