Motor Outputs in a Multitasking Network: Relative Contributions of Inputs and Experience-Dependent Network States

Abstract

Network outputs elicited by a specific stimulus may differ radically depending on the momentary network state. One class of networks states-experience-dependent states-is known to operate in numerous networks, yet the fundamental question concerning the relative role that inputs and states play in determining the network outputs remains to be investigated in a behaviorally relevant manner. Because previous work indicated that in the isolated nervous system the motor outputs of the Aplysia feeding network are affected by experience-dependent states, we sought to establish the behavioral relevance of these outputs. We analyzed the phasing of firing of radula opening motoneurons (B44 and B48) relative to other previously characterized motoneurons. We found that the overall pattern of motoneuronal firing corresponds to the phasing of movements during feeding behavior, thus indicating a behavioral relevance of network outputs. Previous studies suggested that network inputs act to trigger a response rather than to shape its characteristics, with the latter function being fulfilled by network states. We show this is an oversimplification. In a rested state, different inputs elicited distinct responses, indicating that inputs not only trigger but also shape the responses. However, depending on the combination of inputs and states, responses were either dramatically altered by the network state or were indistinguishable from those observed in the rested state. We suggest that the relative contributions of inputs and states are dynamically regulated and, rather than being fixed, depend on the specifics of states and inputs.

Repetition-Induced Plasticity of Motor Representations of Action Sounds

“…First, the auditory-motor link could represent a remnant of a phylogenic ready-for action system and be dedicated to low-level motor representations. Repetition priming of motoneuronal activity has been previously described in the feeding network of aplysia, where repeated stimulation led to an increase in the firing rate of neurons (Friedman et al 2009). The repetition enhancement has been interpreted as an intrinsic characteristic of a network dedicated to motor behavior (Friedman and Weiss 2010).…”

Composite Modulatory Feedforward Loop Contributes to the Establishment of a Network State

“…However, recent studies showed that for several minutes following EN stimulation, CBI-2 stimulation elicits egestive programs rather than ingestive programs (Friedman et al 2009;Proekt et al 2004Proekt et al , 2007Proekt et al , 2008. Thus EN stimulation induces a persistent egestive state that endows the network with slow dynamics to temporarily override the switch in the input.…”

Neuromodulation as a mechanism for the induction of repetition priming

“…2B). Changes in motor neuron activity are sufficient to alter the magnitude of radula opening movements [17]. …”