Abstract
1. Results from the companion paper were incorporated into a physiologically realistic computer model of the three principal cell types (PD/AB, LP, PY) of the pyloric network in the stomatogastric ganglion. Parameters for the model were mostly calculated (sometimes estimated) from experimental data rather than fitting the model to observed output patterns. 2. The initial run was successful in predicting several features of the pyloric pattern: the observed gap between PD and LP bursts, the appropriate sequence of the activity periods (PD, LP, PY), and a substantial PY burst not properly simulated by an earlier model. 3. The major discrepancy between model and observed patterns was the too-early occurrence of the PY burst, which resulted in a much shortened LP burst. Motivated by this discrepancy, additional investigations were made of PY properties. A hyperpolarization-enabled depolorization-activated hyperpolarizing conductance change was discovered which may make an important contribution to the late phase of PY activity in the normal burst cycle. Addition of this effect to the model brought its predictions more in line with observed patterns. 4. Other discrepancies between model and observation were instructive and are discussed. The findings force a substantial revision in previously held ideas on pattern production in the pyloric system. More weight must be given to functional properties of individual neurons and less to properties arising purely from network interactions. This shift in emphasis may be necessary in more complicated systems as well. 5. An example has been provided of the value quantitative modeling can be to network physiology. Only through rigorous quantitative testing can qualitative theories of how the nervous system operates be substantiated.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Connor, J.A.: Neural repetitive firing: a comparative study of membrane properties of crustacean walking leg axons. J. Neurophysiol. 38, 922–932 (1975)
Connor, J.A., Stevens, C.F.: Voltage clamp studies of a transient outward membrane current in gastropod neural somata. J. Physiol. 213, 21–30 (1971)
Connor, J.A., Walter, D., McKown, R.: Neural repetitive firing. Modifications of the Hodgkin-Huxley axon suggested by experimental results from crustacean axons. Biophys. J. 18, 81–102 (1977)
Getting, P.A., Willows, A.O.D.: Modification of neuron properties by electrotonic synapses. II. Burst formation by electrotonic synapses. J. Neurophysiol. 37, 858–868 (1974)
Graubard, K., Raper, J.A., Hartline, D.K.: Non-spiking synaptic transmission between spiking neurons. Neurosci. Abstr. 3, 177 (1977)
Hartline, D.K.: SNAX: a language for interactive neuronal modeling and data processing. In: Computer technology in neuroscience. p. 41. Brown, P.B. (ed.). Washington D.C.: Hemisphere Press 1976a
Hartline, D.K.: Simulation of phase-dependent pattern changes to perturbations of regular firing in crayfish stretch receptor. Brain Res. 110, 245–257 (1976b)
Hartline, D.K.: Quantitative analysis of pyloric network in stomatogastric ganglion. Neurosci. Abstr. 2, 324 (1976c)
Hartline, D.K.: On the pitfalls of modeling and not-modeling. Brain Theory Newsletter 2, 25–27 (1976d)
Hartline, D.K., Gassie, D.V.: Pattern generation in the lobster (Panulirus) stomatogastric ganglion. I. Pyloric neuron kinetics and synaptic interactions. Biol. Cybernetics 33, 209–222 (1979)
Hartline, D.K., Gassie, D.V., Sirchia, C.D.: Burst reset properties in an endogenously bursting network-driver cell (in preparation)
Hartline, D.K., Maynard, D.M.: Motor patterns in the stomatogastric ganglion of the lobster, Panulirus argus. J. Exp. Biol. 62, 405–420 (1975)
Hartline, H.K., Ratliff, F.: Inhibitory interaction of receptor units in the eye of Limulus. J. Gen. Physiol. 40, 357–376 (1957)
Hodgkin, A.L., Huxley, A.F.: A quantitative description of membrane current and its application to conduction and excitation in nerve. J. Physiol. 117, 500–544 (1952)
Hodgkin, A.L., Rushton, W.A.H.: The electrical constants of a crustacean nerve fibre. Proc. R. Soc. London, Ser. B133, 44–479 (1946)
Lange, G.D., Hartline, H.K., Ratliff, F.: The dynamics of lateral inhibition in the compound eye of Limulus. II. In: The functional organization of the compound eye, p. 425. Bernhard, C.G. (ed.). New York: Pergamon Press 1966
Mayeri, E.M.: A relaxation oscillator description of the burst generating mechanism in the cardiac ganglion of the lobster Homarus americanus. J. Gen. Physiol. 62, 473–488 (1973)
Maynard, D.M.: Simpler networks. Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 193, 59–72 (1972)
Maynard, D.M., Selverston, A.I.: Organization of the stomatogastric ganglion of the spiny lobster. IV. The pyloric system. J. Comp. Physiol. 100, 161–182 (1976)
Miller, J.P.: Neuropil recording in the lobster stomatogastric ganglion. Neurosci. Abstr. 1, 579 (1976)
Rall, W.: Distinguishing theoretical synaptic potentials computed for different soma-dendritic distributions of synaptic input. J. Neurophysiol. 30, 1138–1168 (1967)
Rinzel, J., Rall, W.: Transient response in a dendritic neuron model for current injected at one branch. Biophys. J. 14, 759–790 (1974)
Russell, D.F., Hartline, D.K.: Inputs to the lobster stomatogastric ganglion unmask bursting properties in many of its motorneurons. Neurosci. Abstr. 3, 384 (1977)
Russell, D.F., Hartline, D.K.: Bursting neural networks: a re-examination. Science 200, 453–456 (1978)
Selverston, A.I.: Structural and functional basis of motor pattern generation in the stomatogastric ganglion of the lobster. Am. Zool. 14, 957–972 (1974)
Selverston, A.I., Russell, D.F., Miller, J.P., King, D.G.: The stomatogastric nervous system: structure and function of a small neural network. Progr. Neurobiol. 6, 1–75 (1976)
Stevens, C.F.: A quantitative theory of neural interactions: theoretical and experimental investigations. Thesis, Rockefeller University, 1964
Warshaw, H.S., Hartline, D.K.: Simulation of network activity in stomatogastric ganglion of the spiny lobster, Panulirus. Brain Res. 110, 259–272 (1976)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Hartline, D.K. Pattern generation in the lobster (Panulirus) stomatogastric ganglion. Biol. Cybernetics 33, 223–236 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00337411
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00337411