Specific functioning of networks in the nervous system depends not only upon the wiring diagram for neuronal interconnection, but also upon the proprties of particular synapses. Within the same network, postsynaptic conductances vary in sign and duration, while some synapses combine several responses to show polyphasic conductance changes. This project will identify and characterize types of functional elements available to an actual neural network, the way in which they are combined, and the functional consequences of their use. The goal is both a generalizable biophysical description of synapses and an understanding of the role of the synapses in the behavior of a cell and network. Specific questions to be asked include: What kinetic properties of receptors determine synaptic current duration? Is synaptic potential amplitude more plastic than its duration? What are the relative contributions of multiple-component synaptic potentials and direct/indirect synaptic information transfer? The preparation used, the buccal ganglia of the mollusc Aplysia californica contains a ppopulation of synaptically interconnected neurons well suited to these studies. Techniques employed include intracellular recording from pre- and postsynaptic neurons, voltage-clamping of postsynaptic potentials, and patch clamping single synaptic channels. The correlations between single-channel kinetics and synaptic efficacy, function of multi-component synapses, and principles of organization of identified cell networks drawn from this preparation may prove applicable to 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 #
5R01NS011555-11
Application #
3394508
Study Section
Neurological Sciences Subcommittee 1 (NLS)
Project Start
1977-04-01
Project End
1990-04-30
Budget Start
1988-01-01
Budget End
1989-04-30
Support Year
11
Fiscal Year
1988
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