Modeling of plasticity of the synaptic connections in the lamprey spinal CPG — consequences for network behavior

Consequences of synaptic plasticity in the lamprey spinal CPG are analyzed. This is motivated by the experimentally found effects substance P and 5-hydroxytryptamin (5-HT) have on the inhibitory and excitatory synaptic transmission. The effects can be a change of the amplitude of the postsynaptic potentials as well as induction of an activity-dependent facilitation or depression during repetitive activation. Simulations show that network level effects (i.e. swimming frequency) of substance P and 5-HT can to a substantial part be explained based on their effects on the plasticity of the synaptic transmission.