Optical study of neural-complex adaptive systems

本研究的目的是表征分布的神经元系统的综合特性，而不是表征单个细胞的特性。我们将特别关注那些与组成神经元之间的相互作用有关的特性。最适合进行这些研究的技术是使用电压敏感染料的多位点光学记录，它可以提供整个神经系统中神经元活动的高分辨率（时间和空间）视图。所提出的实验利用了该小组实验室的特殊专业知识、设施和不同的准备，以确定网络整合神经元信息的基本原理。“分布式处理”被用来标记几种现象。首先，它可以指中枢神经系统的一个或几个区域（神经节）的大量神经元参与产生每种行为的实例。其次，它可能指的是单个神经元具有多功能的情况：每个细胞都参与识别不止一种感觉输入或产生不止一种行为输出。第三，分布式处理是指神经元之间连接的突触强度较低，并且在确定每个神经元的输出时评估许多兴奋性和抑制性输入的活动。本研究中的实验考察了分布式处理的所有三个方面。

The purpose of this study is to characterize the integrative properties of the neuronal systems that are distributed, rather than those which are properties of individual cells. We will specifically focus on those properties which relate to interactions among the component neurons. The technology best suited for carrying out these studies is multiple-site optical recording using voltage-sensitive dyes, which can provide high resolution (temporal and spatial) views of neuronal activity throughout a nervous system. The proposed experiments take advantage of the special expertise, facilities, and different preparations used in the laboratories of the group in order to identify basic principles by which networks integrate neuronal information. "Distributed processing" has been used to label several phenomena. First, it can refer to instances where large numbers of neurons in one or several regions (ganglia) of a central nervous system are involved in generating each behavior. Second, it may refer to situations where individual neurons are multifunctional : each cell is involved in the discrimination of more than one sensory input or the generation of more than one behavioral output. Third, distributed processing refers to situations where synaptic strengths of the connections between neurons are low and activity in many excitory and inhibitory inputs are evaluated in determining the output of each individual neuron. The experiments in this study examined all three aspects of the distributed processing.