We propose to study the organization and control of the central pattern generator for locomotion using the isolated lamprey spinal cord as our model system. In particular, we hope to understand the 1) neural control of the inter-segmental coordination, 2) the interrelation between the fin and the body muscle, and 3) the role in the control of the pattern generator by serotonin. To study the coordinating system and fin control, we will combine standard neurophysiological experimental techniques with a mathematical treatment which includes dynamical systems and non-linear oscillator theory. To study the role of serotonin, we will first determine the appropriate serotonergic antagonist for the lamprey cord. We can then attempt to block various functions we feel may be serotonin-mediated. Study of the vertebrate generation and control of locomotion is extremely difficult in higher more complex nervous systems. In this simple nervous system we hope to deduce general principles which will apply throughout the vertebrates.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01NS016803-05
Application #
3397144
Study Section
Neurology B Subcommittee 1 (NEUB)
Project Start
1980-12-01
Project End
1986-11-30
Budget Start
1984-12-01
Budget End
1985-11-30
Support Year
5
Fiscal Year
1985
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Cornell University
Department
Type
Schools of Veterinary Medicine
DUNS #
City
Ithaca
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
14850
Cohen, A H; Kiemel, T; Pate, V et al. (1999) Temperature can alter the function outcome of spinal cord regeneration in larval lampreys. Neuroscience 90:957-65
Kiemel, T; Cohen, A H (1998) Estimation of coupling strength in regenerated lamprey spinal cords based on a stochastic phase model. J Comput Neurosci 5:267-84
Cohen, A H; Guan, L; Harris, J et al. (1996) Interaction between the caudal brainstem and the lamprey central pattern generator for locomotion. Neuroscience 74:1161-73
Bertram, R; Butte, M J; Kiemel, T et al. (1995) Topological and phenomenological classification of bursting oscillations. Bull Math Biol 57:413-39
Mellen, N; Kiemel, T; Cohen, A H (1995) Correlational analysis of fictive swimming in the lamprey reveals strong functional intersegmental coupling. J Neurophysiol 73:1020-30
Cohen, A H; Dobrov, T A; Li, G et al. (1990) The development of the lamprey pattern generator for locomotion. J Neurobiol 21:958-69
Cohen, A H (1988) Regenerated fibers of the lamprey spinal cord can coordinate fictive swimming in the presence of curare. J Neurobiol 19:193-8
Cohen, A H (1987) Effects of oscillator frequency on phase-locking in the lamprey central pattern generator. J Neurosci Methods 21:113-25
Cohen, A H; Mackler, S A; Selzer, M E (1986) Functional regeneration following spinal transection demonstrated in the isolated spinal cord of the larval sea lamprey. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 83:2763-6
Harris-Warrick, R M; Cohen, A H (1985) Serotonin modulates the central pattern generator for locomotion in the isolated lamprey spinal cord. J Exp Biol 116:27-46