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Time resolution in the auditory pathway of the cicada Tettigetta josei [abstract]

Alves, D & Fonseca, P J (2012). Time resolution in the auditory pathway of the cicada Tettigetta josei [abstract]. Bioacoustics, Volume 21 (1): 65

 

Abstract: 

Mate finding in the cicada Tettigetta josei is mediated by acoustic communication. The species-specific male song is composed by complex phrases and the shortest pulse periods vary between 4 and 8 ms, depending on the body temperature. Here we investigated if the central nervous system is able to resolve the fine time structure of the song and the temperature dependence of these responses. Intracellular recordings of auditory interneurons in the metathoracic-abdominal ganglionic complex and simultaneous auditory nerve recordings were obtained. The experimental stimuli were the species’ calling song pulses presented at different rates. Body temperature was controlled with a Peltier element. PSTH and vector strength analysis indicate that some interneurons were able to resolve pulse periods in the 3-4 ms range when the body temperature was above 24 – 26 ºC (n=6). These cells were able to resolve pulse periods of 6-8 ms even when the body temperature was at 16º C. The auditory periphery does not seem to be a limiting factor as averaging analysis in the whole nerve recordings shows that the pooled receptor response is able to resolve gaps of at least 1-2 ms in the whole temperature range tested (16-28ºC). Further studies will be necessary in order to test whether this temporal resolution is maintained at the brain level.

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