Combination-sensitive neurons are selectively responsive to specific combinations of different stimulus features. They play an important role in sensory processing, but the synaptic mechanisms that establish their unique response properties have not yet been explored. The jamming avoidance response (JAR) in the fish Gymnarchus requires a joint analysis of electric field amplitude and phase modulation (AM and PM), each of which are processed in separate pathways that converge onto combination-sensitive neurons in the torus semicircularis. This study will address the synaptic mechanisms that result in non-linear responses to combinations of AM and PM.
Specific aims are to: (1) record postsynaptic potentials in toral neurons while manipulating AM, PM, and combinations of both; (2) analyze the morphology and projection patterns of toral neurons in relation to combination sensitivity; (3) assess the role of individual toral neurons in controlling the JAR; and (4) test hypotheses on the mechanisms driving non-linearities using immunocytochemistry and pharmacological manipulation. The proposed research will provide insight into how combination-sensitive neurons are able to extract behaviorally relevant information from multiple stimulus features.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
1F32NS049788-01
Application #
6836154
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F02B (20))
Program Officer
Talley, Edmund M
Project Start
2004-08-14
Project End
2007-08-13
Budget Start
2004-08-14
Budget End
2005-08-13
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$42,976
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Virginia
Department
Biology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
065391526
City
Charlottesville
State
VA
Country
United States
Zip Code
22904