The activity pattern of identified neurosecretory cells during feeding behaviour in the locust.

In the locust, Locusta migratoria, the activity of identified efferent neurones of the suboesophageal ganglion was recorded extracellularly for long periods (hours or days). During recording, the animals were free to move in their enclosures. Activity of the cells appears to accompany feeding behaviour: they become active shortly before feeding starts and their activity persists during feeding. The cells have previously been shown to be serotonin-immunoreactive and to have a dense network of neurohaemal terminals on the sheath of the peripheral nerves supplying the mouthparts. The role of serotonin as a neuromediator involved in feeding activities is discussed for insects and other organisms.