Modelling of the active reaction of stick insects by a network of neuromimes

Abstract

Depending on the activity status of the animal, the control system of the femur-tibia joint in stick insects exhibits either a resistance reflex, or the "active reaction", a totally different action pattern (Bassler 1988a). Using analog electronic neuron models, several different neuronal circuits are explored that model the active reaction with all its features. The models differ in complexity, redundance and the robustness against small variations of network parameters (e.g. coupling strengths). The circuit with the highest robustness and redundancy requires interneurons with special features, such as found in real animals. When inserted into a closed loop modeling movement and sensory feedback from the periphery, this circuit produces oscillations similar to searching movements found in the real animal. In addition to intracellular recording methods, the authors propose modeling with realistic neuromimes as a complementary method in the investigation of neuronal networks which have well documented input-output relationships.