|
Rhythmic activity in cultured spinal cord networks : a multielectrode array study| old_uid | 1952 |
|---|
| title | Rhythmic activity in cultured spinal cord networks : a multielectrode array study |
|---|
| start_date | 2006/12/14 |
|---|
| schedule | 14h30 |
|---|
| online | no |
|---|
| location_info | côté bât. Saints Pères, 1e étage, salle De Broglie D |
|---|
| details | Au RCh à droite, longer le couloir et prendre l'escalier vers la médecine du travail. Au 1er étage, prendre à droite |
|---|
| summary | Why can a decapitated cock cross a yard? Neuronal networks in the spinal cord of vertebrates are able to generate rhythmic activity even in absence of supraspinal input and of sensory feedback. This activity is directed to motoneurons to activate the limbs in a rhythmic way. These spinal networks that can fully express the program generating the rhythmic alternating activity used for locomotion are called central pattern generators (CPGs). A multi-targeted approach, using electrophysiological, pharmacological, anatomical and imaging techniques as well as computer simulations, is now being applied to explore the CPGs underlying rhythmic movements in higher vertebrates. How rhythmic activity is generated in the spinal cord remains, however, in many points unclear. To investigate a neuronal network it is imperative to record the activity from many neurons simultaneously. To achieve this, we cultured spinal cord slices from embryonic rats on small glass plates with 68 incorporated planar electrodes (multielectrode arrays, MEAs). In addition, experiments performed with dissociated cultures allowed us, using MEAs, to analyze the activity patterns in randomized neuronal networks, and, using whole-cell recordings, to get insight into the behavior of single neurons during rhythmic activity. At the seminar, I'll present the results obtained by the group of Prof. JÃ?rg Streit, Institute of Physiology in Bern: Rhythm generation in disinhibited networks is based on intrinsic spiking in some neurons, network recruitment by recurrent excitation through glutamatergic synaptic transmission and a network refractory period following the bursts, which is caused by a reduction of network excitability. |
|---|
| oncancel | Heure et lieu modifiés |
|---|
| responsibles | Brunel |
|---|
| |
|