The main goal of this research is to understand how an individual modulatory neuron uses a peptide and a conventional transmitter to influence the activity of a well-defined neural network. Although neural network activity in many systems has been shown to be influenced by exogenously applied peptides, few studies have detailed the effects of peptide-secreting neurons. The projects to be performed focuses on the paired modulatory prolactin-containing neurons, two homologous peptidergic neurons that modulate the activity of the pyloric network, the best described neuronal ensemble which generates a rhythmic, patterned activity, and is located in the stomatogastric nervous system of the crab. This project combines biochemical and electrophysiological techniques to address a related series of questions. This work is important because it uses a model system to attack important cellular questions about neuronal circuits which are similar in man.
