Description
Neural Models of Plasticity: Experimental and Theoretical Approaches is an outgrowth of a conference that was held at Woods Hole, Massachusetts, in the spring of 1987. The purpose of that conference was to review recent developments in both areas and to foster communication between those researchers pursuing theoretical approaches and those pursuing more empirical approaches. Contributions have been solicited from individuals who represent both ends of the spectrum of approaches as well as those using a combination of the two. These indicate that our knowledge of the plastic capabilities of the nervous system is accelerating rapidly due to rapid advances in the understanding of basic subcellular and molecular mechanisms of plasticity, and because of the computational capabilities and plastic properties that emerge from neural networks and assemblies. The book contains 19 chapters and opens with a study on the role of the neuromodulator in associative learning of the marine mollusk Hermissend. Subsequent chapters examine topics such as learning and memory in Aplysia; the Hebb rule for synaptic plasticity; olfactory processing and associative memory in the mollusk Limax maximus; simulation of a classically conditioned response; and the neural substrates of memory, focusing on the role of the hippocampus.
Table of Contents
Preface 1 Associative Learning, Memory, and Neuromodulation in Hermissenda Introduction Organization of the Central Nervous System Conditioning Procedure Associative and Nonassociative Contributions to Phototactic Suppression Neuromodulation: Possible Contribution to Conditioning Short- and Long-Term Plasticity Discussion and Conclusions References 2 Developmental Assembly of Multiple Components of Learning and Memory in Aplysia Introduction Different Forms of Learning in Aplysia Emerge According to Different Developmental Timetables Cellular Analogs of Learning Have the Same Developmental Timetables as Their Respective Behavioral Forms of Learning Analysis of Nondecremented Responses Prior to the Emergence of Sensitization Reveals a Novel Inhibitory Process Sensitization Emerges Simultaneously in Different Response Systems in Aplysia Widespread Proliferation of Central Neurons Occurs in the Same Developmental Stage as the Emergence of Sensitization Concluding Remarks References 3 Turtles All the Way Down: Some Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Long-Term Sensitization in Aplysia Molecular Components Underlying Sensitization Long-Term Sensitization Is Accompanied by a Decrease in Regulatory Subunits A Molecular Mechanism for Enhanced Protein Phosphorylation The Mechanism by Which R Subunits Are Diminished Role of Synthesizing New Proteins for Long-Term Memory: The Mechanism behind the Other Mechanisms Turtles All the Way Down: An Indian Story References 4 Mathematical Model of Cellular and Molecular Processes Contributing to Associative and Nonassociative Learning in Aplysia Introduction Subcellular Model for Associative and Nonassociative Learning Simulation and Predictions of the Model Discussion References 5 A Simple Circuit Model for Higher-Order Features of Classical Conditioning Behavioral and Cellular Studies of Learning in Aplysia A Quantitative Model for Conditioning Simulations of Basic Features of Conditioning Simulations of Higher-Order Features of Conditioning Discussion References 6 The Hebb Rule for Synaptic Plasticity: Algorithms and Implementations Introduction Levels of Analysis Implementations of the Hebb Rule Conditioning Conclusions References 7. Classical Conditioning Phenomena Predicted by a Drive-Reinforcement Model of Neuronal Function Introduction The Neuronal Model Predictions of the Model Experimental Tests Summary References Appendix: Parameter Specifications for the Computer Simulations of the Neuronal Models 8. Olfactory Processing and Associative Memory: Cellular and Modeling Studies Introduction Feeding Command Neurons The LIMAX Model Behavioral Aspects of the LIMAX Model Challenges to Umax from LIMAX Challenges to LIMAX from Umax Future Directions References 9.
