The role of postinhibitory rebound in the locomotor central-pattern generator of Clione limacina

Abstract

In animals, networks of central neurons, called central-pattern generators (CPGs), produce a variety of locomotory behaviors including walking, swimming, and flying. CPGs from diverse animals share many common characteristics that function at the system level, circuit level, and cellular level. However, the relative roles of common CPG characteristics are variable among different animal species, in ways that suit different forms of locomotion in different environmental contexts. Here, we examine some of these common features within the locomotor CPG in a model system used to investigate changes in locomotory speed - the swim system of the pteropod mollusk, Clione limacina. In particular, we discuss the role of one cellular characteristic that is essential for locomotor pattern generation in Clione, postinhibitory rebound.