Award Abstract # 9904424
Neural Control of Locomotory Speed Changes in a Mollusk

NSF Org: IOS
Division Of Integrative Organismal Systems
Recipient: ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
Initial Amendment Date: July 14, 1999
Latest Amendment Date: May 24, 2001
Award Number: 9904424
Award Instrument: Continuing Grant
Program Manager: Diane M. Witt
IOS
 Division Of Integrative Organismal Systems
BIO
 Directorate for Biological Sciences
Start Date: September 1, 1999
End Date: August 31, 2003 (Estimated)
Total Intended Award Amount: $270,282.00
Total Awarded Amount to Date: $270,282.00
Funds Obligated to Date: FY 1999 = $95,383.00
FY 2000 = $86,191.00

FY 2001 = $88,708.00
History of Investigator:
  • Richard Satterlie (Principal Investigator)
    satterlier@uncw.edu
Recipient Sponsored Research Office: Arizona State University
660 S MILL AVENUE STE 204
TEMPE
AZ  US  85281-3670
(480)965-5479
Sponsor Congressional District: 04
Primary Place of Performance: Arizona State University
660 S MILL AVENUE STE 204
TEMPE
AZ  US  85281-3670
Primary Place of Performance
Congressional District:
04
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): NTLHJXM55KZ6
Parent UEI:
NSF Program(s): BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE,
NEURAL SYSTEMS CLUSTER
Primary Program Source: app-0100 
app-0101 

app-0199 
Program Reference Code(s): 1096, 9107, BIOT
Program Element Code(s): 119100, 550000
Award Agency Code: 4900
Fund Agency Code: 4900
Assistance Listing Number(s): 47.074

ABSTRACT

The proposed project involves an electrophysiological investigation of two
types of locomotory speed changes in the pteropod mollusk Clione limacina.
Clione exhibits both a dramatic speed change, analogous to a gait change in
higher animals, and a more subtle speed change, equivalent to a change in
speed within a single gait. Since the nervous system of Clione is
relatively simple, we can investigate these speed changes at a level not
allowed in higher animals. This model system should provide background
information on the reorganization of central circuitry in rhythmic
locomotory systems that allows increases in the frequency and strength of
locomotory movements. We will use a variety of techniques, including
electrophysiological recordings of identified neurons, force recordings
from the locomotory musculature and immunohistochemical identification of
neurons that release serotonin, a prime modulator that differentially
triggers the two types of speed changes in Clione.
Basic research of this type uncovers "rules" of how rhythmic behaviors are
organized at the circuit and cellular levels, and how variability in these
behaviors is achieved by various types of sensory inputs. These rules can
be used in investigations of rhythmic behaviors in higher, more complex
animals. In addition, investigation of simple model locomotory systems
provides useful information for the fields of robotics and
computer-assisted muscle stimulation in para- and quadriplegics.

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