The role of cholinergic networks of the anterior basal and inferior frontal lobes in the predatory behaviour of Sepia officinalis.

The predatory behaviour of the cuttlefish has been the subject of a few detailed studies and can be divided into several stages: prey detection, orientation, positioning, prey-seizing, prey-manipulation and ingestion. Nevertheless, the data about its control by the CNS remain fragmentary. By injecting a cholinergic agonist (nicotine) and antagonists (alpha-bungarotoxin, mecamylamine), the implication of cholinergic networks of the anterior basal and inferior frontal lobes in the control of predatory behaviour are demonstrated. Through these cholinergic networks, the anterior basal lobe takes an important part in the orientation and positioning. The inferior frontal lobe seems to play a role in the control of brachial manipulative and buccal mass activities. The implication of cholinergic networks of the anterior basal and inferior frontal lobes in the predatory behaviour and the pharmacology of nicotinic receptors are discussed.