Functional recovery of respiratory behavior during axonal regeneration in snails (Lymnaea stagnalis) is experience dependent

This study investigated the role of experience in recovery of pulmonary res piration during axonal regeneration in Lymnaea stagnalis. Pulmonary respira tion occurs when snails break the water surface and open the lung orifice, the pneumostome. It was shown that axotomy of all the axons innervating the pneumostome and surrounding area prevents the occurrence of lung respirati on in 69% of snails. In the remaining 31%, lung respiration persisted, indi cating that peripheral components alone are capable of initiating pneumosto me openings and closures. Five weeks postsurgery, all snails with previous nerve crushes showed opening of the pneumostome with normal latency after b reaking the water surface. However, prevention of pulmonary respiration dur ing the recovery period dramatically changed the recovered behavior. Thus, experience in pulmonary respiration during axonal regeneration plays a role in the recovery of this behavior.