Modulation of insect neurone properties

1. Several different types of insect neurone are able to generate plateau potentials which can drive bursts of axonal action potentials. In locust these events are enabled by perfusing octopamine over the preparation. In cockroach motoneurones, plateau potentials are active, Ca-dependent events which appear to involve the participation of the soma and neurites. Plateau potentials may play a key role in determining the output of insect neuronal networks.