I propose to employ one well studied system--the escape system of the cockroach--to investigate several current problems in neuronal plasticity and integration. We will seek to determine the role of neuronal activity in controlling the variation in the functional strength of a specific sensory pathway. We will also seek to determine the mechanisms by which ablation of one sensory organ (the left cercus) leads to the takeover of function by another sensory organ (the right cercus). We will use physiological methods to test such parameters as threshold voltage, input resistance, and passage of dendritic impulses to axons. We will also use anatomical means to determine any changes in the number and distribution of synaptic contacts at the sensory-to-giant-interneuron junctions. In addition, experiments are planned to test the idea that the two groups of giant interneurons--the dorsals and the ventrals--are used separately in the escape sequence; that is, that the principle of sequential parallel processing applies. These studies will employ killing of individual giant interneurons by intracellular pronase injection, and high speed cine analysis of subsequent escape behaviors. It is suggested that these studies on plasticity at the level of single, identified neurons can help lead the way toward a general cellular understanding of recovery of neuronal function. This work can thus contribute to understanding recovery of human neural function from lesions and sensory deprivation.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01NS020923-02
Application #
3401600
Study Section
Neurology B Subcommittee 1 (NEUB)
Project Start
1985-04-01
Project End
1988-03-31
Budget Start
1986-04-01
Budget End
1987-03-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1986
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Department
Type
DUNS #
600044978
City
Jerusalem
State
Country
Israel
Zip Code
91904
Goldstein, R S; Camhi, J M (1991) Different effects of the biogenic amines dopamine, serotonin and octopamine on the thoracic and abdominal portions of the escape circuit in the cockroach. J Comp Physiol A 168:103-12
Volman, S F (1989) Localization of the enhanced input to cockroach giant interneurons after partial deafferentation. J Neurobiol 20:762-83
Libersat, F; Levy, A; Camhi, J M (1989) Multiple feedback loops in the flying cockroach: excitation of the dorsal and inhibition of the ventral giant interneurons. J Comp Physiol A 165:651-68
Camhi, J M; Levy, A (1989) The code for stimulus direction in a cell assembly in the cockroach. J Comp Physiol A 165:83-97
Goldstein, R S; Camhi, J M (1988) Reduction of sensory activity produced by cercal displacement modifies response of wind-sensitive interneurons in the cockroach. Brain Res 440:366-9
Libersat, F; Camhi, J M (1988) Control of cercal position during flight in the cockroach: a mechanism for regulating sensory feedback. J Exp Biol 136:483-8
Volman, S F; Camhi, J M (1988) The role of afferent activity in behavioral and neuronal plasticity in an insect. J Comp Physiol A 162:781-91
Camhi, J M (1988) Escape behavior in the cockroach: distributed neural processing. Experientia 44:401-8
Goldstein, R S; Camhi, J M (1988) Modulation of activity in sensory neurons and wind-sensitive interneurons by cercal displacement in the cockroach. J Comp Physiol A 163:479-87
Camhi, J M; Levy, A (1988) Organization of a complex movement: fixed and variable components of the cockroach escape behavior. J Comp Physiol A 163:317-28