Principles of Operation of Central Pattern Generators

重复的运动，如咀嚼，行走和游泳， 都是在无意识中完成的， 连接的神经细胞称为中央模式发生器（CPG）。 这个奖项的主题彼得·罗瓦特博士将建模 控制无脊椎动物颊部运动的CPG;这 在过去的二十年里， 有大量的实验数据可供使用， 来模拟这个CPG的潜在机制。探讨 这些机制虽然简单，但与生物学相关， 将开发数学模型;这些模型的输出 然后将与实验观察到的CPG输出进行比较。 神经调节物质对模型的影响将是 测试.预测最重要的生物成分 这种CPG可以通过改变组合物组分的强度来制备， 通过计算机模拟和数学分析建立模型。这 研究将有助于理解 重复的动作是由中枢神经系统控制的。

Repetitive movements such as chewing, walking, and swimming, which are done relatively unconsciously, are controlled by groups of connected nerve cells known as central pattern generators (CPG). The subject of this award to Dr. Peter Rowat will be modeling of a CPG which controls buccal movements in an invertebrate; this system has been studied extensively over the past two decades and a large amount of experimental data are available that can be used for modeling the underlying mechanisms of this CPG. To investigate these mechanisms, simplified, but biologically relevant, mathematical models will be developed; the output of these models will then be compared with the experimentally observed CPG output. The influence of neuromodulatory substances on the model will be tested. Prediction of the most important biological components of this CPG can be made by varying the strengths of components of the model in computer simulations and by mathematical analysis. This research will contribute to understanding the way in which repetitive movements are controlled by the central nervous system.