NEURAL BASIS OF MOTIVATED BEHAVIORS

尽管已经很好地建立了单个神经网络可以 产生几个相关但不同的行为，我们仍然不 了解神经系统产生 对不同刺激的多种反应。长期目标 在这项研究中提出的建议是了解神经 确保选择适当的神经输出的机制 根据对生物体的行为要求。 我们提出 利用其特征鲜明的进食行为及其神经 基质中，以提取的原则， 选择和启动复杂行为的感官输入。 我们建议测试一个假设，即这种选择可以解释在 释放的调节性共递质的组合作用的术语 从专门的模式启动神经元（CBIs），其功能是 感觉中间神经元将感觉信息汇集到模式中 生成电路。 建议的项目包括：1）识别 特定的输入到模式启动神经元和决定 这些细胞活跃的行为; 2）表征 这些神经元对特定行为的贡献; 3） 识别从这些细胞释放的递质和调节剂; 4)确定生物物理和细胞作用机制 的调制器。 该研究将使用一个综合的内部- 学科方法，其中简化的准备工作包括 神经系统的分离部分与 半完整的制剂，可以产生复杂的行为， 完整的动物。 这种方法保证了 相关的细胞机制，将被发现使用 电生理学、生物物理学、生物化学和 分子技术 这类研究的普遍重要性可能会扩大 超越了运动行为的选择领域，作为组合 多个共递质的作用可能是造成这种现象的原因 行为唤起和选择性注意。

Although it is well established that a single neural network can generate several related but distinct behaviors, we still do not understand the mechanisms that allow the nervous system to generate multiple behaviors in response to different stimuli. The long range goal of the research presented in this proposal is to understand the neural mechanisms that assure the selection of the appropriate neural output according to the behavioral demands imposed on the organism. We propose to use the well characterized feeding behaviors and its neural substrates in Aplysia in order to extract the principles which relate sensory inputs to the selection and initiation of complex behaviors. We propose to test a hypothesis that this selection can be explained in terms of a combinatorial action of modulatory cotransmitters released from specialized pattern initiating neurons (CBIs) that function as sensory interneurons that funnel sensory information to the pattern generating circuitry. The proposed projects include: 1) identification of specific inputs to the pattern initiating neurons and determination of behaviors in which these cells are active; 2) Characterization of the contribution that these neurons make to specific behaviors; 3) Identification of transmitters and modulators released from these cells; 4) determination of the biophysical and cellular mechanisms of action of the modulators. The research will use an integrative inter- disciplinary approach in which simplified preparations consisting of isolated portions of the nervous system are used in conjunctions with semi-intact preparations that can generate complex behaviors that occur in intact animals. This approach provides assurance of the behavioral relevance of the cellular mechanisms that will be uncovered using a combination of electrophysiological, biophysical, biochemical and molecular techniques. The general importance of this type of research is likely to extend beyond the field of the selection of motor behavior, as combinatorial actions of multiple cotransmitters may be responsible for such phenomena as behavioral arousal and selective attention.