Abstract
Recent experimental and computational studies suggest that linearly correlated sets of parameters (intrinsic and synaptic properties of neurons) allow central pattern-generating networks to produce and maintain their rhythmic activity regardless of changing internal and external conditions. To determine the role of correlated conductances in the robust maintenance of functional bursting activity, we used our existing database of half-center oscillator (HCO) model instances of the leech heartbeat CPG. From the database, we identified functional activity groups of burster (isolated neuron) and half-center oscillator model instances and realistic subgroups of each that showed burst characteristics (principally period and spike frequency) similar to the animal. To find linear correlations among the conductance parameters maintaining functional leech bursting activity, we applied Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to each of these four groups. PCA identified a set of three maximal conductances (leak current, Leak; a persistent K current, K2; and of a persistent Na+ current, P) that correlate linearly for the two groups of burster instances but not for the HCO groups. Visualizations of HCO instances in a reduced space suggested that there might be non-linear relationships between these parameters for these instances. Experimental studies have shown that period is a key attribute influenced by modulatory inputs and temperature variations in heart interneurons. Thus, we explored the sensitivity of period to changes in maximal conductances of Leak, K2, and P, and we found that for our realistic bursters the effect of these parameters on period could not be assessed because when varied individually bursting activity was not maintained.
Highlights
Vital adaptive rhythmic behaviors such as breathing and heartbeat in invertebrates are produced by central patterngenerating networks (CPGs)
Experimental and computational studies showed that linearly correlated sets of such parameters allow CPG neurons to produce and maintain their rhythmic activity
We found a linearly correlated set of three maximal conductances that maintains functional bursting activity similar to the animal in burster model instances, increasing robustness of bursting activity
Summary
Vital adaptive rhythmic behaviors such as breathing and heartbeat in invertebrates are produced by central patterngenerating networks (CPGs). Beside their inherent importance in pacing rhythmic movements, CPGs represent fertile test beds for understanding neuronal network dynamics because of the robustness of their activity patterns even in reduced experimental preparations [1,2,3]. To maintain functional rhythmic activity, the CPG neurons and networks must be remarkably robust regardless of changing internal and external conditions. Goldman et al [7] tested a model neuron over a wide range of parameters and found that activity type was robust to certain changes in parameters but very sensitive to other changes
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