Computational Models of Motor Tasks

项目5的总体目标将是描述皮质下环通过基底节和通过小脑在不同时间整合运动程序中的功能作用。我们将使用双室记录技术来研究神经元对，一个位于额叶皮质的目标区域，另一个位于苍白球或小脑核。将根据皮质下神经元通过丘脑向皮质神经元发送突触输入的可能性来选择皮质和皮质下神经元对。通过这种方式，可以同时研究这两个地点的单个单位，而猴子则执行一项整合了不同时间的运动程序的任务。我们将研究的三项任务旨在与PPG的其他项目中正在研究的任务并行，以便我们能够从这一电机系统研究的综合计划所促进的密切互动中获得最佳利益。为了与项目2对接，我们将研究在线纠正因执行任务时引入的小扰动而导致的错误。为了配合项目3，我们将研究通过长期练习所学到的熟练动作序列的执行情况。为了配合项目4，我们将研究复制几何图形时的顺序动作。我们将使用配对部位单一单位记录和微量注射拮抗剂来灭活皮质下部位。以这种方式，我们将研究位于已识别通道中的单个神经元的输出信号如何通过基底节和小脑功能来调节从皮质神经元同时记录的信号。

The overall goal of Project 5 will be characterize the functional role of subcortical loops through the basal ganglia and through the cerebellum in the integration of motor programs across time. We will use a dual-chamber recording technique to study pairs of neurons, one in a targeted area of the frontal cortex and the other in the globus pallidus or in the cerebellar nucleus. A cortical and a subcortical neuron pair will be selected based on the likelihood that the subcortical neuron sends synaptic input, via thalamus, to the cortical neuron. In this manner, single units at the pair of sites can be studied simultaneously, while a monkey performs a task that integrates motor programs across time. The three tasks that we will study are designed are designed to parallel the tasks being studied in other projects of this PPG, so that we can profit optimally from the close interactions promoted by this comprehensive program of motor systems research. To interface with Project 2, we will study the on-line correction of errors that result from small perturbations introduced while the task is being performed. To interface with Project 3, we will study the execution of skilled movement sequences that have been learned through extended periods of practice. To interface with Project 4, we will study the sequential movements made when copying geometrical figures. We will use both paired-site single unit recordings and microinjection of antagonists to inactivate the subcortical site. In this manner, we will investigate how output signals from single neurons located in identified channels passing through the basal ganglia and through the cerebellum function to regulate the signals that are simultaneously recorded from a cortical neuron.