Analysis of a Network of Electrically Coupled Neurons Producing Rhythmic Activity in the Snail Helisoma Trivolvis

This paper deals with a quantitative analysis of a network of electrically coupled neurons (cyberchrons) in the snail Helisoma trivolvis. This network produces regular bursts of activity which drive the motoneurons controlling the feeding musculature. Analysis of the time constants and Bode plots obtained from current injection leads to the development of an equivalent model circuit describing the functional relationships of the individual neuronal elements. The equivalent model is used to demonstrate compensation of the frequency response of an individual neuron by the effective loading of the rest of the network. However, the current observed in a postsynaptic neuron is intergrated across the long cell time constant resulting in increased temporal and spatial summation. This frequency compensation and long duration of the postsynaptic response are both believed to be instrumental in the maintenance of a high frequency burst. This model will act as a framework on which active properties such as burst form, timing, and termination can be tested.