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Taylor, Adam A Model of the Leech Single-Ganglion Swim Oscillator We are developing a model of the single-ganglion swim oscillator, a component of the leech swim central pattern generator (CPG), based upon known neuronal features: nine CPG cell pairs, with each cell modeled as a single passive electrical compartment and with mostly inhibitory synapses connecting the oscillator cells. Unknown parameters were fitted to produce membrane potential oscillations matching those seen during fictive swimming. We found parameters (synaptic weights, synaptic thresholds, and excitatory input currents) that produced models capable of generating oscillations with realistic waveforms and phase relationships. However, the oscillations were not robust to small parameter changes. We are testing modifications of the modeled neurons and synapses, based upon known physiological properties, to produce more robust oscillations. Our work should extend the extensive knowledge gained from modeling and theoretical studies of two-cell inhibitory networks. Supported by a La Jolla Interfaces In Science Predoctoral Fellowship funded by The Burroughs Wellcome Fund (ALT), and NIH research grant MH43396 (WBK).
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