Neural substrate of behavioural control in amphibians: in search of the fundamental elements of the behavioural brain

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The ultimate goal of my research is to highlight similarities and differences in the brain pathways that organize behaviour in different vertebrates in order to create a basic model of the behavioural brain (also called 'limbic system'). I propose to study the structure and function of the brain regions that control behaviour in amphibians, with an emphasis on the regions that integrate sensory input. I will approach this problem from three different angles: behaviour, structure and function. Firstly, I will do behavioural experiments identifying relevant cues that will be used later in functional studies. Secondly, I will use anatomical methods to describe the architecture of brain pathways involved in the control of behaviour. Thirdly, I will measure brain activity elicited by behaviourally relevant stimuli using two different methods: a) direct recording of brain electrical activity; b) labelling of indirect markers of neuronal activation. My research plan is 'comparative' in that it involves comparison of amphibian brains with the better known but highly complex brains of mammals. A better knowledge of the behavioural brain is needed to understand what lies at the root of neuropsychological disorders. This work could generate new approaches to elucidate the great complexity of the mammalian limbic system. It could be used to design robotics control programs for self-evaluating/self-learning machines. It could also help explain how evolution of the brain modified behavioural capacities in vertebrates.