The spike generation zone of the ampullary electroreceptor

Harvey, J. R.; Bruner, L. J.

doi:10.1007/bf00201413

Biol. Cybern.

1995

DOI: 10.1007/bf00201413

|View full text |Cite

The spike generation zone of the ampullary electroreceptor

J. R. Harvey

L. J. Bruner

Abstract: Our preceding paper presented a relaxation

Help me understand this report

Search citation statements

Order By: Relevance

Paper Sections

Select...

Citation Types

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Year Published

1995

2001

Publication Types

Select...

Article3

Relationship

Self Cite2

Independent1

Authors

Journals

Cited by 3 publications

References 16 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

Synchronization of pacemaker cell firing by weak ELF fields: Simulation by a circuit model

Bruner

Harvey

1998

Bioelectromagnetics

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Entrainment of output action potentials from repetitively firing pacemaker cells, brought about by regularly spaced excitatory or inhibitory postsynaptic inputs, is a well‐known phenomenon. Synchronization of neural firing patterns by extremely low frequency (ELF) external electric fields has also been observed. Whereas current densities of ≈10 A‐m−2 are required for direct excitation of otherwise quiescent neural tissue, much lower peak current densities (≈10−2 A‐m2) have been reported to entrain spontaneously firing molluscan pacemaker cells. We have developed a neural spike generator circuit model that simulates repetitive spike generation by a space clamped patch (area ≈ 10−7 m2) of excitable membrane subjected to depolarizing current. Picoampere (pA) range variation of DC depolarizing current causes a corresponding smooth variation of neural spike frequency, producing a physiologically realistic stimulus‐response (S‐R) characteristic. When lower pA range 60 Hz AC current is superposed upon the DC depolarizing current, smooth variation of the S‐R characteristic is distorted by subharmonic locking of the spike generator at 30, 20, 15, 12, 10 Hz, and higher order subharmonic frequencies. Although the additional superposition of a physiologically realistic level of “white” current noise, covering the bandwidth 4–200 Hz, suffices to obscure higher order subharmonic locking, locking at 30, 20, and 15 Hz is still clearly evident in the presence of noise. Subharmonic locking is observed at a root mean square AC simulated tissue current density of ≈10−5 A‐m−2. Bioelectromagnetics 19:92–97, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

show abstract

Synchronization of pacemaker cell firing by weak ELF fields: Simulation by a circuit model

Bruner

Harvey

1998

Bioelectromagnetics

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

The spike generation zone of the ampullary electroreceptor

Harvey

Bruner

1995

Biol. Cybern.

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Sensory input to the central nervous system begins with a transduction step, specialized to the sensory modality involved, resulting in the production of postsynaptic electrical input to the outermost branches of a dendritic tree. Spatiotemporal summation of this 'slow' input as it converges upon the axon then initiates the production of or modulates the rate of ongoing production of 'fast' neural spikes destined for the central nervous system. We present a novel circuit design consisting of an operational amplifier, a tunnel diode and linear passive components, intended to model the spike generation zone at which the transformation of neural input from slow to fast format takes place. Our circuit is shown to be a relaxation oscillator of the van der Pol type. Simulated postsynaptic current modulates the frequency of spike production by the relaxation oscillator model, producing a stimulus-response characteristic which can be compared with those observed in vivo. Stimulus-response data for our model match data available in the literature for the ampullary electroreceptor of elasmobranch fish.

show abstract

Noise Effects on the Electrosense-Mediated Feeding Behavior of Small Paddlefish

et al. 2001

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Weak electrical noise applied in the water around small paddlefish, Polyodon spathula, increases the spatial range over which they can detect and capture planktonic prey (Daphnia), demonstrating stochastic resonance at the level of an animal's feeding behavior. Here we show that optimal-amplitude (~ 0.5 μ V · cm -1) noise causes a fish to prefer more vertical angles of attack when striking at prey, as revealed in polar graphs. Increased spatial range is also seen in horizontal directions, as outlying shoulders in the probability distribution of horizontal strike distances. High levels of noise increased the distance that approaching prey travelled along the rostrum (an elongated appendage anterior to the head, functioning as an electrosensitive antenna), before the fish first showed a visible fin or body motion in response. There was no significant effect of optimal-amplitude noise on the rate of strikes, although high-amplitude noise reduced the strike rate. The behavioral data were confirmed in neurophysiological experiments demonstrating that stochastic resonance occurs in individual electroreceptors, and in fact occurs at a similar optimal noise level as in behavioral experiments. We conclude that stochastic resonance can be demonstrated in the behavior of animals, and that animals can make use of the increased sensory information available during near-threshold environmental noise.

show abstract

scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.

Contact Info

customersupport@researchsolutions.com

10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614

Henderson, NV 89052, USA

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Blog Terms and Conditions API Terms Privacy Policy Contact Cookie Preferences Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

Made with 💙 for researchers

Part of the Research Solutions Family.

The spike generation zone of the ampullary electroreceptor

Abstract: Our preceding paper presented a relaxation

Cited by 3 publications

References 16 publications

Synchronization of pacemaker cell firing by weak ELF fields: Simulation by a circuit model

Synchronization of pacemaker cell firing by weak ELF fields: Simulation by a circuit model

The spike generation zone of the ampullary electroreceptor

Noise Effects on the Electrosense-Mediated Feeding Behavior of Small Paddlefish

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About