Modelling self-sustained rhythmic activity in lamprey hemisegmental networks

Recent studies of the lamprey spinal cord have shown that hemisegmental preparations can display rhythmic activity in response to a constant input drive. This activity is believed to be generated by a network of recurrently connected excitatory interneurons. A recent study found and characterized self-sustaining rhythmic activity—locomotor bouts—after brief electrical stimulation of hemisegmental preparations. The mechanisms behind the bouts are still unclear. We have developed a computational model of the hemisegmental network. The model addresses the possible involvement of NMDA, AMPA, acetylcholine, and metabotropic glutamate receptors as well as axonal delays in locomotor bouts.