Mathematics Commons^™

Modeling Projection Neuron And Neuromodulatory Effects On A Rhythmic Neuronal Network, Nicholas Kintos

Dissertations

Projection neurons shape the activity of many neural networks. In particular, neuromodulatory substances, which are often released by projection neurons, alter the cellular and/or synaptic properties within a target network. However, neural networks in turn influence projection neuron input via synaptic feedback. This dissertation uses mathematical and biophysically-realistic modeling to investigate these issues in the gastric mill (chewing) motor network of the crab, Cancer borealis. The projection neuron MCN1 elicits a gastric mill rhythm in which the LG neuron and INTl burst in anti-phase due to their reciprocal inhibition. However, bath application of the neuromodulator PK elicits a similar gastric …