A Neuronal Network that Regulates Motor Synchrony

描述(由申请人提供) 这项研究将主要在阿根廷布宜诺斯艾利斯大学的Szczupak博士的实验室进行，作为国家卫生研究院RO 1 MH 43396拨款的延伸。该项目的长期目标是了解感觉-运动网络的结构配置。具体地说，本提案的目的是揭示一种完全以分级模式运行的特定类型神经元的作用。这种类型的神经元被认为是非尖峰神经元，与神经系统中的大多数细胞不同，因为它们可以作为一个高度区域化的结构来运作，为不同的网络服务，因为信号的传播不受尖峰放电等再生过程的支持。对它们在水蚤简单神经系统中的功能作用的研究将使我们能够评估这些类型的神经元的生理机械，并说明它们在其他系统中的功能。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant) This research will be performed primarily in the laboratory of Dr. Szczupak in the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina as an extension of the NIH grant RO 1 MH 43396. The long-term objective of the project is to understand the structural configuration of sensory-motor networks. Specifically the aim of the present proposal is to reveal the role of a specific type of neurons which operates entirely in a graded mode. This type of neurons, recognized as non-spiking neurons, are different than the majority of cells in the nervous system in that they can operate as a highly compartamentalized structure subserving different networks due to the fact that propagation of signals is not supported by regenerative processes like spike firing. Investigation of their functional role in the simple nervous system of the leech will enable to assess the physiological rote of these type of neurons and illustrate about their function in other systems.