Neuropeptide Modulation of Bidirectional Internetwork Synapses

Oscillatory networks underlying rhythmic motor behaviors, and sensory and complex neural processing, are flexible, even in their neuronal composition. Neuromodulatory inputs enable neurons to switch participation between networks, or participate in multiple networks simultaneously. Neuromodulation of internetwork synapses can both recruit and coordinate a switching neuron in a second network. We previously identified an example in which a neuron is recruited into dual-network activity via peptidergic modulation of intrinsic properties. We now ask whether the same neuropeptide also modulates internetwork synapses for internetwork coordination. The crab (Cancer borealis) stomatogastric nervous system contains two well-defined feeding-related networks (pyloric, food filtering, [~]1 Hz; gastric mill, food chewing, [~]0.1 Hz). The projection neuron MCN5 uses the neuropeptide Gly1-SIFamide to recruit the pyloric-only LPG neuron into dual pyloric plus gastric mill-timed bursting via modulation of LPGs intrinsic properties. Descending input is not required for a coordinated rhythm, thus intra-network synapses between LPG and its second network must underlie coordination among these neurons. However, synapses between LPG and gastric mill neurons have not been documented. Using two-electrode voltage clamp recordings, we found that graded synaptic currents between LPG and gastric mill neurons (LG, IC, DG) were primarily negligible in saline, but were enhanced by Gly1-SIFamide. Further, LPG and gastric mill neurons entrain each other during Gly1-SIFamide application, indicating bidirectional, functional connectivity. Thus, a neuropeptide mediates neuronal switching through parallel actions, modulating intrinsic properties in a switching neuron to recruit it into a second network and as shown here, also modulating bidirectional internetwork synapses for coordination. New and NoteworthyNeuromodulation can enable neurons to be simultaneously coordinated with separate networks. Both recruitment into, and coordination with, a second network can occur via modulation of internetwork synapses. Alternatively, recruitment can occur via modulation of intrinsic ionic currents. We find that the same neuropeptide previously determined to modulate intrinsic currents also modulates bidirectional internetwork synapses that are typically ineffective. Thus, complementary modulatory peptide actions enable recruitment and coordination of a neuron into a second network.