Hard real-time closed-loop electrophysiology with the Real-Time eXperiment Interface (RTXI)
Fig 6
Artificially modulating neuronal excitability mimics learning-induced increase in frequency, but not the regularity, of buccal motor pattern (BMP) genesis.
(A) Experimental protocol and equivalent electrical circuit for the addition of a dynamic-clamp-defined leak conductance (Gleak) to the natural input conductance (Gin) of an individual neuron using RTXI. (B) Introduction of an artificial Gleak of −60 nS (shaded panel) increased the excitability of a target B63 neuron (indicated by a decrease in spike threshold) compared with that arising from the natural leak conductance alone (i.e., Gleak: 0 nS). Horizontal and vertical scale bars represent 2 s and 20 mV, respectively. In (C), Gleak was introduced into one of B63, B30, or B65. In (D), Gleak was introduced into a B63 and current pulses for measuring coupling coefficients were injected into either postjunctional B30 or B65. (For details, see [35] Fig. S1.) (E) In a control preparation, the frequency, but not the regularity, of spontaneous BMP genesis and associated spike bursts in B63/B30/B65 increased in response to a dynamic-clamp-defined Gleak of −60 nS (shaded panel) introduced simultaneously into the three neurons. Horizontal and vertical scale bars represent 30 s and 25 mV, respectively. (F and G) Quantification of changes in frequency (F), but not irregularity (G), of BMP generation for different values of artificial Gleak added simultaneously to the three neurons. Group data show means ± SEM and individual sample sizes. All figures obtained and modified with permission from [35].