Activating
Scer\GAL4ppk.1.9 neurons leads to escape sequences in larvae: a low likelihood of escape rolling behavior and a high likelihood of fast crawling. Mechanosensory (vibration) stimulation alone evokes only fast crawling (no rolling). When both are simultaneous (nociceptive stimulation via activation of
Scer\GAL4ppk.1.9 neurons, along with mechanosensory stimulation) significantly increases the likelihood of rolling behavior; this effect is dose-dependent and synergistic. Vibration-induced facilitation of rolling is mediated through mechanosensory chordotonal neurons.
Optogenetic activation (using
Crei\ChR2UAS.cSa with 470 nm (blue) light) of
Scer\GAL4ppk.1.9 cells in larvae results in a significant increase in escape behaviors, compared to controls.