EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE ON SYNAPTIC POTENTIALS IN THE LOCUST FLIGHT SYSTEM

1. Neuronal circuitry in the locust flight system operates normally within a temperature range of 24-42-degrees-C. I investigated the effects of temperature on parameters of postsynaptic potentials generated in different neurons following action potentials of the forewing stretch receptor. 2. Increases in temperature reduced latency, time-to-peak and duration (Q10s = 0.51, 0.70, and 0.68, respectively; 24-34-degrees-C) and increased the slope (Q10 = 1.13; 24-34-degrees) of the excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP). However, increases in temperature increased EPSP amplitude below room temperature (Q10 = 1.25; 14-24-degrees-C) but decreased EPSP amplitude above room temperature (Q10 = 0.80; 24-34-degrees-C). 3. 1 conclude that neuronal and synaptic function were affected by temperature in ways predictable by well-established thermal effects on channel conductance and kinetics and on membrane properties. Thus temperature compensation of the output of the flight system must be mediated in some way by the operation of the circuitry. 4. I propose that below room temperature EPSP amplitude was increased by predominant effects on channel conductance and membrane time constant, and above room temperature EPSP amplitude was decreased by a predominant effect on the amplitude and duration of the presynaptic action potential. Further, I suggest that the frequency of the output rhythm is unaffected by the amplitude of single EPSPs, within permissive limits.