scholarly journals Information Processing and Synaptic Transmission

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vito Di Maio ◽  
Silvia Santillo
Keyword(s):  
Information Processing ◽  
Synaptic Transmission

scholarly journals Altering gain of the infralimbic-to-accumbens shell circuit alters economically dissociable decision-making algorithms

2018 ◽  
Vol 115 (27) ◽  
pp. E6347-E6355 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian M. Sweis ◽  
Erin B. Larson ◽  
A. David Redish ◽  
Mark J. Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Information Processing ◽  
Synaptic Transmission ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Nucleus Accumbens Shell ◽  
Synaptic Remodeling ◽  
Reward Seeking ◽  
Deliberative Processes ◽  
Reward Valuation

The nucleus accumbens shell (NAcSh) is involved in reward valuation. Excitatory projections from infralimbic cortex (IL) to NAcSh undergo synaptic remodeling in rodent models of addiction and enable the extinction of disadvantageous behaviors. However, how the strength of synaptic transmission of the IL–NAcSh circuit affects decision-making information processing and reward valuation remains unknown, particularly because these processes can conflict within a given trial and particularly given recent data suggesting that decisions arise from separable information-processing algorithms. The approach of many neuromodulation studies is to disrupt information flow during on-going behaviors; however, this limits the interpretation of endogenous encoding of computational processes. Furthermore, many studies are limited by the use of simple behavioral tests of value which are unable to dissociate neurally distinct decision-making algorithms. We optogenetically altered the strength of synaptic transmission between glutamatergic IL–NAcSh projections in mice trained on a neuroeconomic task capable of separating multiple valuation processes. We found that induction of long-term depression in these synapses produced lasting changes in foraging processes without disrupting deliberative processes. Mice displayed inflated reevaluations to stay when deciding whether to abandon continued reward-seeking investments but displayed no changes during initial commitment decisions. We also developed an ensemble-level measure of circuit-specific plasticity that revealed individual differences in foraging valuation tendencies. Our results demonstrate that alterations in projection-specific synaptic strength between the IL and the NAcSh are capable of augmenting self-control economic valuations within a particular decision-making modality and suggest that the valuation mechanisms for these multiple decision-making modalities arise from different circuits.

EONS Synaptic Modeling Platform: Exploration of Mechanisms Regulating Information Processing in the CNS and Application to Drug Discovery

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sushmita L. Allam ◽  
Jean-Marie C. Bouteiller ◽  
Renaud Greget ◽  
Serge Bischoff ◽  
Michel Baudry ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Information Processing ◽  
Synaptic Transmission ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Computational Framework ◽  
Data Intensive ◽  
Molecular Events ◽  
Compute Data ◽  
Synaptic Dynamics ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Synaptic Modeling

EONS modeling platform is a resourceful learning and research tool to study the mechanisms underlying the non-linear dynamics of synaptic transmission with the aid of mathematical models. Mathematical modeling of information processing in CNS pathways, in particular modeling of molecular events and synaptic dynamics, have not been extensively developed owing to the complex computations involved in integrating a multitude of parameters. In this paper, we discuss the development of a strategy to adapt the EONS synaptic modeling platform to a multi-node environment using a parallel computational framework to compute data intensive long simulations in a shorter time frame. We describe how this strategy can be applied to (i) determine the optimal values of the numerous parameters required for fitting experimental data, (ii) determine the impact of all parameters on various aspects of synaptic transmission (under normal conditions or conditions mimicking pathological conditions) and (iii) study the effects of exogenous molecules on both healthy and pathological synaptic models.

scholarly journals Astrocytic control of synaptic function

2017 ◽  
Vol 372 (1715) ◽  
pp. 20160154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Papouin ◽  
Jaclyn Dunphy ◽  
Michaela Tolman ◽  
Jeannine C. Foley ◽  
Philip G. Haydon
Keyword(s):  
Information Processing ◽  
Synaptic Transmission ◽  
Intracellular Calcium ◽  
Synaptic Function ◽  
Homeostatic Plasticity ◽  
Complex Dynamic ◽  
Signalling Molecules ◽  
The Past ◽  
Global Fluctuations ◽  
The Brain

Astrocytes intimately interact with synapses, both morphologically and, as evidenced in the past 20 years, at the functional level. Ultrathin astrocytic processes contact and sometimes enwrap the synaptic elements, sense synaptic transmission and shape or alter the synaptic signal by releasing signalling molecules. Yet, the consequences of such interactions in terms of information processing in the brain remain very elusive. This is largely due to two major constraints: (i) the exquisitely complex, dynamic and ultrathin nature of distal astrocytic processes that renders their investigation highly challenging and (ii) our lack of understanding of how information is encoded by local and global fluctuations of intracellular calcium concentrations in astrocytes. Here, we will review the existing anatomical and functional evidence of local interactions between astrocytes and synapses, and how it underlies a role for astrocytes in the computation of synaptic information. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Integrating Hebbian and homeostatic plasticity’.

scholarly journals Inhibition to excitation ratio regulates visual system responses and behavior in vivo

2011 ◽  
Vol 106 (5) ◽  
pp. 2285-2302 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wanhua Shen ◽  
Caroline R. McKeown ◽  
James A. Demas ◽  
Hollis T. Cline
Keyword(s):  
Information Processing ◽  
Optic Nerve ◽  
Synaptic Transmission ◽  
Visual System ◽  
Receptive Fields ◽  
Field Size ◽  
Visually Guided ◽  
Synaptic Inputs ◽  
Tectal Neurons ◽  
Spike Latency

The balance of inhibitory to excitatory (I/E) synaptic inputs is thought to control information processing and behavioral output of the central nervous system. We sought to test the effects of the decreased or increased I/E ratio on visual circuit function and visually guided behavior in Xenopus tadpoles. We selectively decreased inhibitory synaptic transmission in optic tectal neurons by knocking down the γ2 subunit of the GABAA receptors (GABAAR) using antisense morpholino oligonucleotides or by expressing a peptide corresponding to an intracellular loop of the γ2 subunit, called ICL, which interferes with anchoring GABAAR at synapses. Recordings of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) and miniature excitatory PSCs (mEPSCs) showed that these treatments decreased the frequency of mIPSCs compared with control tectal neurons without affecting mEPSC frequency, resulting in an ∼50% decrease in the ratio of I/E synaptic input. ICL expression and γ2-subunit knockdown also decreased the ratio of optic nerve-evoked synaptic I/E responses. We recorded visually evoked responses from optic tectal neurons, in which the synaptic I/E ratio was decreased. Decreasing the synaptic I/E ratio in tectal neurons increased the variance of first spike latency in response to full-field visual stimulation, increased recurrent activity in the tectal circuit, enlarged spatial receptive fields, and lengthened the temporal integration window. We used the benzodiazepine, diazepam (DZ), to increase inhibitory synaptic activity. DZ increased optic nerve-evoked inhibitory transmission but did not affect evoked excitatory currents, resulting in an increase in the I/E ratio of ∼30%. Increasing the I/E ratio with DZ decreased the variance of first spike latency, decreased spatial receptive field size, and lengthened temporal receptive fields. Sequential recordings of spikes and excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs to the same visual stimuli demonstrated that decreasing or increasing the I/E ratio disrupted input/output relations. We assessed the effect of an altered I/E ratio on a visually guided behavior that requires the optic tectum. Increasing and decreasing I/E in tectal neurons blocked the tectally mediated visual avoidance behavior. Because ICL expression, γ2-subunit knockdown, and DZ did not directly affect excitatory synaptic transmission, we interpret the results of our study as evidence that partially decreasing or increasing the ratio of I/E disrupts several measures of visual system information processing and visually guided behavior in an intact vertebrate.

Language processing is not a race against time

2016 ◽  
Vol 39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giosuè Baggio ◽  
Carmelo M. Vicario
Keyword(s):  
Information Processing ◽  
Human Brain ◽  
Language Processing ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Memory Systems ◽  
Language System ◽  
Moderating Factors

AbstractWe agree with Christiansen & Chater (C&C) that language processing and acquisition are tightly constrained by the limits of sensory and memory systems. However, the human brain supports a range of cognitive functions that mitigate the effects of information processing bottlenecks. The language system is partly organised around these moderating factors, not just around restrictions on storage and computation.

Attachment and Field Dependence: Individual Differences in Information Processing

2004 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrizia Vermigli ◽  
Alessandro Toni
Keyword(s):  
Information Processing ◽  
Individual Differences ◽  
Field Dependence ◽  
Attachment Styles ◽  
Close Relationships ◽  
Adult Age ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Figure Test ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Measure Field

The present research analyzes the relationship between attachment styles at an adult age and field dependence in order to identify possible individual differences in information processing. The “Experience in Close Relationships” test of Brennan et al. was administered to a sample of 380 individuals (160 males, 220 females), while a subsample of 122 subjects was given the Embedded Figure Test to measure field dependence. Confirming the starting hypothesis, the results have shown that individuals with different attachment styles have a different way of perceiving the figure against the background. Ambivalent and avoidant individuals lie at the two extremes of the same dimension while secure individuals occupy the central part. Significant differences also emerged between males and females.

Hostility and Perceptions of Support in Ambiguous Social Interactions

2006 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 108-115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana-Maria Vranceanu ◽  
Linda C. Gallo ◽  
Laura M. Bogart
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Information Processing ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Social Information Processing ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Social Information ◽  
Inverse Association ◽  
Processing Bias ◽  
Information Processing Bias

The present study investigated whether a social information processing bias contributes to the inverse association between trait hostility and perceived social support. A sample of 104 undergraduates (50 men) completed a measure of hostility and rated videotaped interactions in which a speaker disclosed a problem while a listener reacted ambiguously. Results showed that hostile persons rated listeners as less friendly and socially supportive across six conversations, although the nature of the hostility effect varied by sex, target rated, and manner in which support was assessed. Hostility and target interactively impacted ratings of support and affiliation only for men. At least in part, a social information processing bias could contribute to hostile persons' perceptions of their social networks.

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