We have analyzed in detail the neuronal network that generates heartbeat in the leech. Reciprocally inhibitory pairs of heart interneurons form oscillators that pace the heartbeat rhythm. Other heart interneurons coordinate these oscillators; these coordinating interneurons with the oscillator interneurons form an 8 cell timing oscillator network for heartbeat. Still other interneurons, along with the oscillator interneurons, inhibit heart motor neurons, sculpting their activity into rhythmic bursts. Critical switch interneurons interface between the oscillator interneurons and the other premotor interneurons to produce two alternating coordination states of the motor neurons. The period of the rhythm generating interneurons are modulated by endogenous RFamide neuropeptides. We have explored the ionic currents, and graded and spike-mediated synaptic transmission that promote oscillation in the oscillator interneurons and have incorporated these data into a conductance based computer model. This model has been of considerable predictive value and has led to new insights into how reciprocally inhibitory neurons produce oscillation. We are now in a strong position to expand this model upward, to encompass the entire heartbeat network, horizontally, to elucidate the mechanisms of FMRFamide modulation, and downward, to incorporate cellular morphology. These modeling studies in conjunction with parallel physiological experiments, either proposed herein or already ongoing in the lab, will contribute to our understanding of how rhythmic motor acts are generated, coordinated intersegmentally, modulated and reconfigured at the network, cellular, ionic current, and synaptic levels. By studying the processes for motor pattern formation in the leech we will uncover important insights into the function of more complex motor systems. The computational approach that we propose will also generate insights into the function of distributed neural networks in general.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
1R01NS034975-01
Application #
2274314
Study Section
Cognitive Functional Neuroscience Review Committee (CFN)
Project Start
1995-06-01
Project End
1999-05-31
Budget Start
1995-06-01
Budget End
1996-05-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1995
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Emory University
Department
Biology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
042250712
City
Atlanta
State
GA
Country
United States
Zip Code
30322
Cymbalyuk, G S; Patel, G N; Calabrese, R L et al. (2000) Modeling alternation to synchrony with inhibitory coupling: a neuromorphic VLSI approach. Neural Comput 12:2259-78
Calabrese, R L (1998) Cellular, synaptic, network, and modulatory mechanisms involved in rhythm generation. Curr Opin Neurobiol 8:710-7
Nadim, F; Calabrese, R L (1997) A slow outward current activated by FMRFamide in heart interneurons of the medicinal leech. J Neurosci 17:4461-72
Olsen, O H; Calabrese, R L (1996) Activation of intrinsic and synaptic currents in leech heart interneurons by realistic waveforms. J Neurosci 16:4958-70