Central Pattern Generators

Question 1

What is a half center oscillator?

Answer 1

Two neurons that have no rhythmogenic properties by themselves that oscillate in their firing patterns when reciprocally connected. The pattern between the neurons can be antiphase, delayed phase, or synchrony.

Question 2

What are cell and network properties that result in Central Pattern Generators?

Answer 2

Cell:

1) Spontaneous bursting of neurons
2) Plateau Potentials - where depolarizing current injection causes a burst of action potentials until an hyperpolarizing current injection occurs.
3) Post Inhibitory Rebound: After removal of inhibition Na+ channel deactivation occurs and V-gated K+ channels deactivate causing a burst of action potentials.
4) Spike frequency adaptation: cell spiking in response to a prolonged current injection decreases with time

Network:

1) Upstream pacemaker cells
2) Neurons connected by reciprocal innervation.