Type: Sensory neuron (putative chemosensory)
Male Wiring Project: SPVL, SPVR
In Wormbase: SPV, SPVL, SPVR
Lineage: B.a(l/r)aalda, B.a(l/r)aarda
Location: Cloacal ganglia (L), Cloacal ganglia (R)
Description: Spicule-associated male sensory neuron. One of 3 bilateral pairs of male specific neurons (SPCL/R, SPDL/R, SPVL/R) that innervate the left and right copulatory spicules of the male. SPVL/R are cilated neurons that open to the outside at the spicule tip (Sulston et al., 1980). The processes of SPV neurons run down the length of the spicule shaft to the sensory opening at the end
Neurotransmitter/ Neuropeptide:
- Acetylcholine
(Pereira et al., 2015; LeBoeuf et al, 2014)
Innexin expression:
Receptor expression:
Function:
- SPD and SPV neurons are proposed to sense vulval pheromones and coordinate sperm release into the vulva. During mating, SPV neurons are suggested to inhibit sperm transfer and premature ejaculation (LeBoeuf et al., 2014; Schindleman et al., 2006; Liu and Sternberg, 1995; see Mating Movie)