The Nobel Institute for Neurophysiology
Research Themes:
Network level
The neuronal network that generates locomotor activity has been analysed in considerable detail. It consists of a population of excitatory interneurones, which excite each other within a pool of interneurones. Such a pool can generate rhythmic bursting based on synaptic interaction and cellular properties. The networks on the two sites are connected through reciprocal glycinergic inhibition generating alternating activity and also a slowing of the burst rate. In addition to this kernel within the network, there are a number of modulator systems that are involved in continuously modulating the network and improving network properties in terms of regularity of bursting etc. These modulator systems include 5-HT, dopamine, GABA, metabotropic glutamate receptors, and tachykinins.
Last modified: 2009-05-30