Activity and Plastic Effects of Parallel Fibers

本研究将探讨下行输入到初级感觉神经的生理特性，以及该结构内的可塑性，该结构突出了具有行为意义的感觉输入。拟议的研究将在电鱼的电感觉侧线叶（ELL）中进行，这是一种在髓质中类似小脑的结构。ELL作为一个自适应滤波器，将可预测的电感觉输入（如自产生的输入）从电感觉处理流中去除。可能的机制是平行纤维传递的预测信号效应的可塑性。特异性Aim 1将通过记录产生ELL平行纤维的颗粒细胞来确定其活性。这些细胞对自然发生的预测信号的反应，如运动指令和本体感觉信号，将被测试。特异性目标2将研究ELL细胞对平行纤维传递的这些自然发生的预测信号的反应，重点关注与外周电感觉刺激相关一段时间后的塑性变化。该项目的结果将与感觉处理的下行控制、感觉信息的存储和小脑功能的一般问题有关。

This study will investigate the physiological properties of descending inputs to a primary sensory neuropil and the plasticity within this structure that highlights behaviorally significant sensory inputs. The proposed research will be performed in the electrosensory lateral line lobe (ELL) of mormyrid electric fish, a cerebellum-like structure in the medulla. The ELL acts as an adaptive filter in which predictable electrosensory inputs, such as those which are self-generated, are removed from the electrosensory processing stream. The probable mechanism is that of plasticity in the effects of predictive signals conveyed by parallel fibers. Specific Aim 1 will determine the activity of ELL parallel fibers by recording from the granule cells that give rise to them. Responsiveness of these cells to naturally occurring predictive signals, such as motor commands and proprioceptive signals, will be tested. Specific Aim 2 will examine the responses of ELL cells to these naturally-occurring predictive signals conveyed by parallel fibers, with a focus on plastic change following a period of association with peripheral electrosensory stimuli. The results of the project will be relevant to the general issues of descending control of sensory processing, storage of sensory information, and cerebellar function.