[Hair cell interactions in the statocyst of the snail].

Hair cell interactions within a statocyst of the snail (Helix lucorum) were studied by means of intracellular and extracellular recording. The obtained data demonstrated: some hair cells separated by less than or equal to 90 degrees on the circumference of the statocyst were electrically coupled; the electrical synapses were polarized because coupling coefficients within pairs of cells were not symmetrical (in one direction the coefficient was 10 times greater than in the other); some connections between hair cells located at less than or equal to 90 degrees from each other had electrochemical nature; excitatory chemical component of such interaction had a direction opposite to the effective electrical conduction; there were also inhibitory interactions between hair cells; some of them were monosynaptic chemical inhibitory ones (receptors were located approximately at 180 degrees from each other); others were polysynaptic weak interactions (hair cells were separated by more than 90 degrees-100 degrees on the circumference of the statocyst); all types of the interactions between hair cells were observed in preparations with the static nerve cut.