Dr. Petra Skiebe-Corrette

 Institut für Biologie
 - Neurobiologie -
 Königin-Luise-Str. 28/30
 14195 Berlin / Germany

 Phone    ++49 30/838-54905
 Fax      ++49 30/838-55455
 e-mail   skiebe@zedat.fu-berlin.de
 
 
 
 
Peptidergic modulation of neural networks in a model system, the stomatogastric nervous system of decapod crustaceans
 
 
Peptides have at least two functions within the nervous system. They modulate the activity of neuronal networks by changing the interaction of the neurons within a given network or between different networks. Peptides also function as switches turning neuronal networks on or off depending on the behavioral and developmental context of the animal. Peptides are therefore an important factor of neuronal plasticity. The system we work with is the the stomatogastric nervous system (STNS) of decapod crustaceans, which controls movements of the stomach. The peptides in the focus of the investigation are the allatostatins (AST) and crustacean cardioactive petide (CCAP). As a first step, the occurrence of these peptides within the STNS of different species is being investigated with immunocytochemical methods. Secondly, we are investigating the action of these peptides on the networks of the STGN by electrophysiological techniques. The goal of this project is to analyse the mechanisms by which peptides are able to modulate neural networks, both on the level of the whole network and on the level of a single cell. The degree to which network modulation by peptides is dependent on the developmental state of the animal is also being examined.
 
 
Co-worker
 
Jan-Felix Evers, Maurice Meseke, Tina Wollenschläger
 
Methods
 
Physiological (intracellular recording of neurons and extracellular recording of nerves) and anatomical methods (immunocytochemistry and backfill techniques combined with confocal microscopy) are being used.
 
Recent Publications

[1] Skiebe P, Dietel C, Schmidt M (1999) Immunocytochemical localization of FLRFamide-, proctolin- and CCAP-like peptides in the stomatogastric nervous system and neurohaemal structures of the crayfish, Cherax destructor. J Comp Neurol 414: 511-532

[2] Dircksen H, Skiebe P, Abel B, Agricola H, Buchner K, Muren JE, Nässel DR (1999) Localization, structure and biological functions of a native allatostatin-like inhibitory neuropeptide of the crayfish, Orconectes limosus. Peptides 20:695-712

[3] Skiebe P (1999) Allatostatin-like immunoreactivity within the stomatogastric nervous system and the pericardial organs of the crab Cancer pagurus, the lobster Homarus americanus and the crayfish Cherax destructor and Procambarus clarkii. J Comp Neurol 403: 85-105

[4] Skiebe P, Ganeshina O (2000) Nerves as possible sites of information processing in the crustacean stomatogastric nervous system: An immunocytochemical and electron microscopical study. J Comp Neurol 420: 373-397

[5] Skiebe P (2000) Peptidergic release sites involved in modulation of the stomatogastric nervous system. In: Wiese K (ed), The crustacean nervous system. Springer, Berlin (eingereicht).

Publications 1998/2000

 
Grant
 
Sfb 515
 
last updated: July 19, 2000