Parallel processing in the brain - an experimental and theoretical analysis

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 96.0322

Key words (English)

Respiration; opossum; leech; sensory inputs; integrative mechanisms

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: BIO4CT960211

Research programs (English)

EU-programme: 4. Frame Research Programme - 4.1 Biotechnology

Short description (English)

See abstract

Abstract (English)

During the past grant period we made significant advances in our experiments on parallel processing of signals in two systems. In the CNS of the leech we collaborated with Dr Vincent Torre in SISSA Trieste in developing a new way of studying the way in which information coming to the CNS from sensory inputs is processed and integrated. We were able to show that pressure sensory cells activate interneurons and motor neurons in a reliable and reproducible manner but with considerable fluctuations depending on the prenous history of firing and activity in the ganglion. In the opossum CNS we have studied the integrated activity of neurons in the medulla that give rise to inspiration and expiration. For this we have developed a novel preparation, the CNS of the newborn opossum isolated in its entirety and maintained in tissue culture. In this way we can correlate the firing of command neurons with the respiratory cycle and analyze the effects of altered pH on the individual cells. These studies are at present finished at the experimental level an are being prepared for publication. As a result of the collaborations started in this two year grand period Dr Torre and I will collaborate further on both projects as a long term effort.

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 96.0322