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Laser ablation of Drosophila embryonic motoneurons causes ectopic innervation of target muscle fibersWe have tested the effects of neuromuscular denervation in Drosophila by laser-ablating the RP motoneurons in intact embryos before synaptogenesis. We examined the consequences of this ablation on local synaptic connectivity in both 1st and 3rd instar larvae. We find that the partial or complete loss of native innervation correlates with the appearance of alternate inputs from neighboring motor endings and axons. These collateral inputs are found at ectopic sites on the denervated target muscle fibers. The foreign motor endings are electrophysiologically functional and are observed on the denervated muscle fibers by the 1st instar larval stage. Our data are consistent with the existence of a local signal from the target environment, which is regulated by innervation and influences synaptic connectivity. Our results show that, despite the stereotypy of Drosophila neuromuscular connections, denervation can induce local changes in connectivity in wild-type Drosophila, suggesting that mechanisms of synaptic plasticity may also be involved in normal Drosophila neuromuscular development.
Document ID
20040173146
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Chang, T. N.
(Yale University New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8103, United States)
Keshishian, H.
Date Acquired
August 22, 2013
Publication Date
September 15, 1996
Publication Information
Publication: The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience
Volume: 16
Issue: 18
ISSN: 0270-6474
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
Non-NASA Center
NASA Discipline Neuroscience

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