ANALYSIS OF MOTOR SYSTEMS

描述（改编自申请人摘要）：长期目标 这个研究项目是要找出负责 用于产生粘膜纤毛运动的实例。 的 在这项资助中提出的实验将提供深入了解如何一口井， 一个确定的神经回路可以通过巴甫洛夫条件反射程序来修改 以支持条件响应的生成。 实现这些 目标，一个多学科的方法来研究细胞和 运动行为的突触基础将在海洋软体动物中进行 Hermissenda;一种已被证明在生物物理学， 生物化学和分子学的研究。 该研究将使用 结合细胞神经生理学和行为技术， 研究完整和半完整动物的纤毛运动行为 准备工作 这项研究的一个主要目标是确定 支持纤毛运动的神经元。 我们将确定 中央模式生成网络的神经元，并确定 网络的属性如何有助于运动程序， 纤毛运动的产生。 第二个主要目标是确定 支持运动行为的回路是如何通过 照明和修改的联想学习的例子，巴甫洛夫 条件反射 我们将研究细胞和突触可塑性的部位 由突触后网络中的巴甫洛夫条件反射产生， 条件刺激通路 这种实验方法将扩大 我们对Hermissenda中条件作用的理解， 由条件作用产生的可塑性的潜在位点。 这些研究将 有助于阐明神经组织的一般原则 产生行为的系统及其经验的修正。

DESCRIPTION (Adapted from applicant's abstract): The long-term objective of this research project is to identify the neural circuit that is responsible for the generation of an example of muco-ciliary locomotion. The experiments proposed in this grant will provide insights into how a well defined neural circuit can be modified by a Pavlovian conditioning procedure to support the generation of a conditional response. To achieve these goals, a multi-disciplinary approach to the study of the cellular and synaptic basis of motor behavior will be carried out in the marine mollusc Hermissenda; a preparation that has proven useful in biophysical, biochemical, and molecular studies of learning. The research will use a combination of cellular neurophysiological and behavioral techniques to study ciliary locomotor behavior in intact animals and semi-intact preparations. One primary goal of the research is to identify the motor neurons that support the generation of ciliary movement. We will identify the neural elements of the central pattern generating network and determine how the properties of the network contribute to the locomotor program and the generation of ciliary locomotion. A second major goal is to determine how the circuit supporting locomotor behavior can be modulated by illumination and modified by an example of associative learning, Pavlovian conditioning. We will examine site of cellular and synaptic plasticity produced by Pavlovian conditioning in the network that is postsynaptic to the conditioned stimulus pathway. This experimental approach will expand our understanding of conditioning in Hermissenda by identifying other potential loci of plasticity produced by conditioning. These studies will help elucidate general principles underlying the organization of neural systems generating behavior and its modification by experience.