Axotomized neurons of the pteropod mollusc Clione limacina develop novel sites of transmitter release in the absence of their normal muscle target

Neural network for rhythmic wing movements in the swimming molluse Clione l imacina is a well-studied system. After nerve transection the efferent wing neurons cannot reach muscles and consequently display intensive central sp routing. In the present work it was shown that two types of efferent neuron s with different neurotransmitters: acethylcholinergic locomotor motoneuron s and serotonergic modulatory efferent neurons - when deprived of their nor mal targets, release their neurotransmitter intended for peripheral muscles , in the unusual compartment - neuropile. Such 'unauthorized' release of ne urotransmitter may cause nervous system dysfunctions in the damaged brain o f other animals. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.