Effect of a hyperpolarization-activated inward current on rhythmic activity in a hybrid half-center oscillator

A hybrid half-center oscillator, composed of a living neuron and an analog very large scale integrated circuit (aVLSI) model neuron connected via dynamic clamp has been constructed. This hybrid oscillator is designed to mimic the behavior of a living half-center found in Hirudo medicinalis, the medicinal leech. Using our hybrid system, we have investigated the effect of modulating a hyperpolarization-activated inward current on the oscillatory properties of the half-center.