Spatio-temporal dynamics of cyclic AMP signals in an intact neural circuit

The stomatogastric ganglion cells in the lobster receive fast cyclic AMP signals due to synaptic release of endogenous neuromodulators in an intact neural circuit. This produces rapid changes in the configuration of the neural circuitry. The prolonged stimulation of the cyclic AMP leads to its diffusion throughout the cell body. This provides the neuromodulatory signals a mechanism for the coordination of various functions within the different regions of the neuron.