NEURAL BASIS OF MOTIVATED BEHAVIORS

尽管众所周知，单个神经网络可以 产生几种相关但不同的行为，我们仍然没有 了解神经系统产生的机制 对不同刺激的多种行为反应。长期目标 本提案中提出的研究的目的是了解神经网络 确保选择适当的神经输出的机制 根据对有机体施加的行为要求。 我们建议 利用特征明确的进食行为及其神经 海兔的底物，以提取相关的原理 选择和启动复杂行为的感官输入。 我们建议测试一个假设，该选择可以解释为 释放的调节协同递质的组合作用术语 来自专门的模式启动神经元（CBI），其功能为 将感觉信息传递到模式的感觉中间神经元 生成电路。 拟议项目包括：1）识别 模式启动神经元的特定输入和确定 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） 识别这些细胞释放的发射器和调制器； 4) 确定生物物理和细胞作用机制 的调制器。 该研究将使用综合性的 纪律方法，其中简化的准备工作包括 神经系统的孤立部分与 半完整的制剂可以产生复杂的行为 在完整的动物中。 这种方法提供了行为的保证 将使用以下方法揭示的细胞机制的相关性 电生理学、生物物理学、生化学的结合 分子技术。 此类研究的普遍重要性可能会扩大 超出了运动行为选择的领域，作为组合 多个共同发射者的行为可能是造成这种现象的原因 如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.