Effect of CO2 on neurons of the house cricket, acheta domestica

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Abstract
The effect of elevated levels of CO2 on the neurons of the metathoracic ganglion of the common house cricket was examined. Elevated CO2 produced a profound depolarization of the neurons without a substantial change in conductance. The depolarization was not due to CO2 acidification of the external solution since exposure of the neurons to a solution which was nominally CO2 free, but at an acid pH, produced little effect. The effect of elevated CO2 appeared to be due to intracellular acidification, since other treatments which acidified the cell interior also produced deplorization. Agents which block intracellular pH regulation also substantially enhance the effect and prevent recovery. The mechanism producing the deplorization appears to be blockage of a metabolic component of the resting potential, since the action of metabolic blockers mimics the effect of elevated CO2.