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Neuromodulation in Small Networks

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Encyclopedia of Computational Neuroscience

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Definition

Neuromodulators are signaling molecules that induce long-lasting or network-wide changes in electrical activity, canonically through metabotropic G-coupled protein receptors. In contrast to classical neurotransmission, which directly opens ion channels, neuromodulators can act either synaptically or extra-synaptically (e.g., hormonal pathways) to modify neuronal activity. Because neuromodulators can simultaneously target many neurons, our understanding of their function on networks has progressed furthest in small systems with known connectivity. In particular, much research has been conducted within invertebrate central pattern generator (CPG) networks. These networks exhibit spontaneous electrical discharges that drive rhythmic muscle contractions to produce simple behaviors such as chewing, breathing, and locomotion.

Detailed Description

Neuromodulation, while often receiving less attention than direct synaptic communication between neurons, is a vital and ubiquitous...

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA

    Alex H. Williams

  2. Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, USA

    Alex H. Williams, Albert W. Hamood & Prof. Eve Marder

Authors
  1. Alex H. Williams
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  2. Albert W. Hamood
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  3. Prof. Eve Marder
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Alex H. Williams .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Atlanta, Georgia, USA

    Dieter Jaeger

  2. Department of Biomedical Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA

    Ranu Jung

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Williams, A.H., Hamood, A.W., Marder, E. (2013). Neuromodulation in Small Networks. In: Jaeger, D., Jung, R. (eds) Encyclopedia of Computational Neuroscience. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-7320-6_26-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-7320-6_26-2

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  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4614-7320-6

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