cortex

Project number:

701

Project title:

The physiological roles of modulator system at the network level

Project supervisor:

Russell Hill/Sten Grillner

Project description:

Different networks in the nervous system generate well-controlled rhythmic activity in different frequency ranges. This includes gamma and theta rhythm in hippocampus, activity in neocortex, cerebellum and also the different network that generate rhythmic activity in the motor system like respiration and locomotion. The intrinsic function of these networks is currently in focus in these different systems (Grillner et al, TINS Oct., 2005). One of the best studied networks is that underlying locomotion in the spinal cord (lamprey). The detailed operation of this network with regard to glutamatergic and glycinergic interneurones, synaptic and membrane properties etc. is thus well described.

All these oscillatory networks are also subject to modulation by a number of aminergic and peptidergic modulator systems. They play a critical role in the fine kontrol of these networks and may modify their properties radically. One problem is that their function is inferred mainly from pharmacologically by using different agonists and antagonists. The critical thing is, however, to understand how each modulator system is turned on during physiological conditions and their respective role in relation to behaviour. The project is concerned with the role of 5-HT, dopamine and co-stored neuropeptidergic systems. In particular one group of 5-HT/DA/SP interneurones. In this project we will focus on the role of these interneurones in terms of under which conditions they are turned on and the degree of activity during different patterns of behaviour (this requires neuronal recordings under conditions when the behaviour is expressed) . We already have a fair knowledge of the action of the different modulators in terms of ion channel modulation etc., but it is critical to elucidate how this modulation affects the function at different levels in the somatodendritic and pre- and postsynaptic levels.

Possible cortex partners for rotation:

The Kaila laboratory has extensive experience of rhythmic activity in hippocampus and mechanisms of modulation.

Eva Sykova