Many physiological events require an accurate timing signal, usually generated by neural networks called central pattern generators (CPGs). On the other hand, properties of neurons and neural networks (e.g. time constants of neurons and weights of network connections) alter with time, resulting in gradual changes in timing of such networks. Recently, a synaptic weight adjustment mechanism has b...

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is one of the rare diseases. PSP is characterized by oculomotor dysfunction, postural instability, akinesia, dysarthria, and dysphagia. The major cause of death in patients with PSP is aspiration pneumonia. Considering these complications, spinal anesthesia is useful in patients with PSP. However, the potential harmful effects of spinal anesthesia including ...

In vitro electrophysiological data suggest that interleukin-1 may promote non-rapid eye movement sleep by inhibiting spontaneous firing of wake-active serotonergic neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN). Interleukin-1 enhances GABA inhibitory effects. DRN neurons are under an inhibitory GABAergic control. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that interleukin-1 inhibits DRN serotonergic ne...

Prepulse inhibition (PPI) is typically associated with an attenuation of auditory startle behavior in mammals and is presumably mediated within the brainstem startle circuit. However, the inhibitory mechanisms underlying PPI are not yet clear. We addressed this question with complementary behavioral and in vivo electrophysiological experiments in the startle escape circuit of goldfish, the Maut...

A commentary on Questions about STDP as a general model of synaptic plasticity. In their recent Perspective Article, Lisman and Spruston (2010) succinctly describe the crucial shortcomings of spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) to serve as a unifying principle of synaptic plasticity. In particular, it is convincingly argued that postsynaptic depolarization rather than a somatic action pote...

Tactile stimulation of the subumbrella of Aglantha digitale was found to evoke an escape swimming response similar to that evoked by stimulation of the outer surfaces of the margin but that does not involve the ring giant axon. Evidence is presented that conduction around the margin takes place via an interconnected system of rootlet interneurones. Confocal microscopy of carboxyfluorescein-fill...

A study of activity recorded with intracellular micropipettes was undertaken in the caudal abdominal ganglion of the crayfish in order to gain information about central fiber to fiber synaptic mechanisms. This synaptic system has well developed integrative properties. Excitatory post-synaptic potentials can be graded, and synaptic potentials from different inputs can sum to initiate spike disch...

Many physiological events require an accurate timing signal, usually generated by neural networks called central pattern generators (CPGs). On the other hand, properties of neurons and neural networks (e.g. time constants of neurons and weights of network connections) alter with time, resulting in gradual changes in timing of such networks. Recently, a synaptic weight adjustment mechanism has b...