The intrinsic function of a motor system – from ion channels to networks and behavior S. Grillner, L. Cangiano, G.-Y. Hu, R. Thompson, R. Hill, P. Wallén
3 types of motion Propulsive movements –Leg movements, wing movements, ondulatory trunk movements Postural motor system –Maintain body orientation Goal directed movements –Visuomotor coordination
Motor System overview Part of major interest in this paper
Oscillatory patterns in propulsive movements
The lamprey model
Forebrain control Direct projections from olfactory bulb and optic nerve into ventral thalamus Basal ganglia control the activity of v. th. by GABAergic inputs (Similar function as in mammals. e.g. MPTP) Reticulospinal neurons activate the spinal cord locomotor activity
Lamprey brainsteam-spinal cord preparation (in vitro) Can be maintained in vitro over several days at T=4-7°C Locomotion can be elicited by stimulation in the brainsteam or by administration of agonists of excitatory amino acids. Spinal cord networks produce the motor pattern. (Ondulations at Hz)
Brainsteam-spinal cord circuitry Connectivity is critical for producing the motor pattern. Goal: isolate the circuitry in the spinal cord and see how it works on a detailed level.
Importance of membrane properties sAHP regulates the duration of bursts due to Ca-concentration in the cell K ca -Channels Ca enters also if the neuron is not spiking (NMDA, LVA-Ca) A whole series of mechanisms regulate the duration of bursts in the spinal cord pattern generator
Calcium Imaging in dendrites The calcium signal correlates with the spiking of neurons in the ipsilateral ventral root.
Modulatory effect of metabotropic receptors
Implement the findings in a model
Questions and next steps What is the influence of using T=4°C? Why are there stretch receptors, when the model works fine without? Include control mechanisms from brain: e.g. how to swim a curve. Can all metabotropic effects be included? These are the „interesting“ mechanisms.