Individual and collective properties of computationally efficient motoneuron models of types S and F with active dendrites

Author(s)

Elias, Leonardo Abdala ^[1] ; Kohn, Andre Fabio ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, PTC, Biomed Engn Lab, Escola Politecn, BR-05508900 Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Neurocomputing; v. 99, p. 521-533, JAN 1 2013.
• Web of Science Citations: 7

Abstract

The input-output properties of motoneurons (MNs) and motor units (MUs) may be modulated by different physiological variables, including neuromodulators released by presynaptic neurons from the brainstem. Monoamines, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, act on MNs mainly by activating dendritic L-type Ca++ channels, generating a persistent inward current (PIC), which may change the input-output properties of the MU. If the firing properties of individual MNs and also the features of the force generated by the MUs can be changed, it follows that the descending monoaminergic systems may modulate the overall dynamics of motor control. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the effects of neuromodulation on the input-output properties of mathematically modeled type-specified MUs. Computationally efficient models are presented for S- and F-type mammalian MNs as well as a MN pool commanding muscle units of the Soleus muscle. The single models have a dendritic L-type Ca++ channel, generating a PIC, along with somatic currents that are responsible for spike-generating mechanisms and the afterhyperpolarization. The S-type active-dendrite (AD) MN model resulted highly excitable and discharged in a self-sustained manner after an excitatory input (bistability). An inhibitory activity turned off this self-sustained discharge. In addition, this low-threshold MN model showed a significant reduction in interspike interval (151) variability in comparison with an equivalent passive-dendrite (PD) MN model discharging at a similar mean rate. The frequency response gain from presynaptic spike train rate modulation to output spike train modulation had a clear valley from about 1-10 Hz for the S-type AD MN model, whereas the PD model showed a gain increase instead. On the other hand, the frequency responses of PD and AD F-type models were similarly shaped, with the AD model having a higher gain at high frequencies. These results suggest that in motor behaviors where steady or low frequency activity is required, such as posture, PICs would aid low-threshold MNs to respond with regular spikes, reducing output variability, and would attenuate the effects of high-frequency input disturbances, helping maintain system steadiness. At the same time, high-threshold MNs being more responsive to high-frequency disturbances would contribute with the necessary activity to correct for postural deviations from a desired position. Simulation results from the neuromuscular model have shown that the PIC activation profoundly affects muscle force generation, with the neuromodulatory activity acting in the adjustment of the motor output. Both individual and collective results presented here expand the understanding of the versatility of monoaminergic neuromodulation in adjusting both the MN input-output coding and the control of force generation. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 07/05898-4 - Computer simulation of motoneuron behavior with passive and active dendrites in response to synaptic inputs
• Grantee: Leonardo Abdala Elias
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 09/15802-0 - Modelling and simulation of torque control by proprioceptive feedback through the nervous system: application to postural control
• Grantee: Leonardo Abdala Elias
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate