Figure 2

Schematic representation of the pLL neuromast innervation patterns before and after nerve regeneration. (A) The specific innervation of neuromasts (L1 to L5 or the terminal neuromasts, (LT) by single labeled pLL ganglion neurons was recorded before neurectomy and after nerve regeneration (48 hpn). Each neuron belongs to a different larva and is represented by a unique color in the diagram. The larger circles represent the innervated primary neuromasts whereas the small ovals represent secondary neuromasts. (B) The number of neuromasts innervated by single labeled neurons was recorded before (1 hbi) and 48 hpn. The average number of neuromasts innervated is not significantly different between both samples (P <0.05). (C) The pattern of pLL neuromast innervation before neurectomy and after regeneration was compared by calculating the ‘mean sensory field’ of individual neurons in both conditions (calculated from data shown in panel A; see Methods). A perfect fit (reinnervation of the exact same targets after regeneration) is shown as a dashed red line, and the actual data is the solid black line (significance of fit: P = 0.009). Statistically (P = 0.0618), both slopes are equal.