Local interneurons associated with the mushroom bodies and the central body in the brain of Acheta domesticus.

Within the central part of the brain in male crickets (Acheta domesticus) 150 local interneurons were recorded intracellularly and consequently stained with either Lucifer Yellow CH or cobaltous sulphide. The shapes of the injected cells were reconstructed from serial sections and drawn to scale using known brain regions as landmarks. Several types of neurons were encountered, which differ in their topographical relationships to the mushroom bodies and the central body. Extensive branching was often found in the calyces or the lobes of the mushroom bodies, within the lateral protocerebral neuropil and in the columns of the central body. These neurons connect different parts of the brain with the neuronal assemblies of the mushroom bodies and the central body, structures, which are considered to participate in the control of complex behavior. The role of the mushroom body with respect to its connectivity to other brain areas and various feedback loops is discussed.