The objective of the proposed research is to increase our understanding of the way nervous systems are organized, by relating the network properties of a group of neurons to the physiology of the synaptic junctions which interconnect them. Synaptic neurophysiology and interneuronal organization will be correlated by examining the buccal ganglia of the marine mollusc Aplysia californica. This preparation contains a reference population of 30 cells, including 4 multiaction interneurons, which is analyzable at the level of the individual identified neuron, of the synaptic connections between individual identified cells, and of the cell networks formed by identified synapses. Electroanatomical identification of additional neurons, simultaneous intracellular recordings from pre- and post-synaptic elements, and voltage-clamping of post-synaptic potentials may yield answers to such questions as: How do direct excitation and disinhibition interact? Do anticholinesterases directly modify synaptic channel lifetime? do breakdown products of a neurotransmitter themselves cause postsynaptic conductance changes? The principles of organization of identified cell networks in this preparation may prove applicable to the experimentally less accessible populations of vertebrate neurons.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
3R01NS011555-09S1
Application #
3394507
Study Section
Physiology Study Section (PHY)
Project Start
1977-04-01
Project End
1986-08-31
Budget Start
1984-12-01
Budget End
1986-08-31
Support Year
9
Fiscal Year
1985
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Weill Medical College of Cornell University
Department
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
201373169
City
New York
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10065