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Li Y, Webster-Wood VA, Gill JP, Sutton GP, Chiel HJ, Quinn RD. A computational neural model that incorporates both intrinsic dynamics and sensory feedback in the Aplysia feeding network. BIOLOGICAL CYBERNETICS 2024; 118:187-213. [PMID: 38769189 PMCID: PMC11289348 DOI: 10.1007/s00422-024-00991-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Studying the nervous system underlying animal motor control can shed light on how animals can adapt flexibly to a changing environment. We focus on the neural basis of feeding control in Aplysia californica. Using the Synthetic Nervous System framework, we developed a model of Aplysia feeding neural circuitry that balances neurophysiological plausibility and computational complexity. The circuitry includes neurons, synapses, and feedback pathways identified in existing literature. We organized the neurons into three layers and five subnetworks according to their functional roles. Simulation results demonstrate that the circuitry model can capture the intrinsic dynamics at neuronal and network levels. When combined with a simplified peripheral biomechanical model, it is sufficient to mediate three animal-like feeding behaviors (biting, swallowing, and rejection). The kinematic, dynamic, and neural responses of the model also share similar features with animal data. These results emphasize the functional roles of sensory feedback during feeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjun Li
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Victoria A Webster-Wood
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
| | - Jeffrey P Gill
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, 2080 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Gregory P Sutton
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Hillel J Chiel
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, 2080 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, 2080 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, 2080 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Roger D Quinn
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
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Serrano GE, Martínez-Rubio C, Miller MW. Endogenous motor neuron properties contribute to a program-specific phase of activity in the multifunctional feeding central pattern generator of Aplysia. J Neurophysiol 2007; 98:29-42. [PMID: 17392419 DOI: 10.1152/jn.01062.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Multifunctional central pattern generators (CPGs) are circuits of neurons that can generate manifold actions from a single effector system. This study examined a bilateral pair of pharyngeal motor neurons, designated B67, that participate in the multifunctional feeding network of Aplysia californica. Fictive buccal motor programs (BMPs) were elicited with four distinct stimulus paradigms to assess the activity of B67 during ingestive versus egestive patterns. In both classes of programs, B67 fired during the phase of radula protraction and received a potent inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) during fictive radula retraction. When programs were ingestive, the retraction phase IPSP exhibited a depolarizing sag and was followed by a postinhibitory rebound (PIR) that could generate a postretraction phase of impulse activity. When programs were egestive, the depolarizing sag potential and PIR were both diminished or were not present. Examination of the membrane properties of B67 disclosed a cesium-sensitive depolarizing sag, a corresponding I(h)-like current, and PIR in its responses to hyperpolarizing pulses. Direct IPSPs originating from the influential CPG retraction phase interneuron B64 were also found to activate the sag potential and PIR of B67. Dopamine, a modulator that can promote ingestive behavior in this system, enhanced the sag potential, I(h)-like current, and PIR of B67. Finally, a pharyngeal muscle contraction followed the radula retraction phase of ingestive, but not egestive motor patterns. It is proposed that regulation of the intrinsic properties of this motor neuron can contribute to generating a program-specific phase of motor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geidy E Serrano
- Institute of Neurobiology and Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
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