A Circuit Analysis and Computational Model of Operant Conditioning in Aplysia
Abstract
Our primary objective is to carry out a cellular and computational analysis of operant conditioning of the headwaving response in Aplysia. Progress has been made in four areas: (1) We have now unequivocally identified the neural pathway essential for reinforcement: a bilateral set of nerves from the oral veil. (2) We have achieved reliable stimulus control over the operant response (headwaving) by our discovery that Aplysia shows a strong positive phototaxis to a directional light source. (3) We have identified the neural pathway necessary for phototaxis: the nerves from the primary visual organs (the eyes and rhinophores). (4) We have preliminary evidence that headwaving motor neurons can be operantly conditioned (by direct injection of hyperpolarizing or depolarizing current, paired with reinforcement) to increase or decrease their spontaneous firing rate.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 19, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA224381
Entities
People
- Thomas J. Carew
Organizations
- Yale University