Dopaminergic neurons modulate locomotion in Caenorhabditis elegans

Abstract

Adaptation in the sensory-mechanical loop during locomotion is a powerful mechanism that allows organisms to survive in different conditions and environments. Motile animals need to alter motion patterns in different environments. For example, crocodiles and other animals can walk on solid ground but switch to swimming in water beds. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans also shows adaptability by employing thrashing behaviour in low viscosity media and crawling in high viscosity media. The mechanism that enables this adaptability is an active area of research. It has been attributed previously to neuro-modulation by dopamine and serotonin.\n\nThe aim of this study is to physiologically investigate the neuronal mechanisms of modulation of locomotion by dopamine. The results suggest that the mechanosensory properties of the dopaminergic neurons PDE are not limited to touch sensation, but to surrounding environment resistance as well. The significance of such characterization is improving our understanding of dopamine gait switching which gets impaired in Parkinsons disease.