Abstract
The sea slug Aplysia represents a model organism for the study of neurobiological circuitry, rhythmic motor activity, memory and learning. The R15 is an endogenously bursting neuron that regulates a host of pathways in Aplysia, including respiration and egg‐laying. The R15 activates the L7, which enables egg discharge through the Large Hermaphroditic Duct. The present study examines the circadian properties of the R15 and its influence on the L7 neuronal output. This study uses SNNAP the Simulator for Neural Networks and Action potentials (Ziv et al., 1994) to construct the R15→L7 network. This network is based on models formulated by Butera (1995) and Komendantov (2000). Simulations mimicking abdominal ganglia functions in Aplysia produce changes in the L7 output due to stimulation by the R15. The study shows that changes in circadian patterns of the R15 due to alterations in K+ ion channels and Ca2+‐dependent K+channels markedly impact the function of the L7. Comparison with output from Hodgkin‐Huxley type cells stimulated by the R15 reveals unique properties of the L7 excited by the R15.
Published Version
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