Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

A Neural Network Model of Caenorhabditis Elegans: The Circuit of Touch Sensitivity

  • Published:
Neural Processing Letters Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The paper presents a neural network model of the touch sensitivity circuit of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. We describe a serie of simulations in which neural networks are trained, using a genetic algorithm, to reproduce the habituation of the nematode's touch sensitive behavior. A lesion study of the network allows to make a direct comparison between the fine functioning of the model and the data collected in real organisms. The model accords well with the known neurobiological data and it suggests some hypotheses about the functioning of the neural circuit and of single neurons.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. T.J. Sejnowski, C. Koch and P.S. Churchland, “P.S. Computational neuroscience”, Science, Vol. 241, pp. 1299–1306, 1988.

    Google Scholar 

  2. S.R. Lochery and T.J. Sejnowsky, “Distributed processing of sensory information in the Leech. III. A dynamical neural network model of the local bending reflex”, Journal of Neuroscience, Vol. 12, pp. 3877–3895, 1992.

    Google Scholar 

  3. M. Chalfie, J.E. Sulston, J.C. White, E. Southgate, J.N. Thomson and S. Brenner, “The neural circuit for touch sensitivity in Caenorhabditis elegans”, Journal of Neuroscience, Vol. 5, pp. 959–964, 1985.

    Google Scholar 

  4. S.R. Wicks and C.H. Rankin, “Integration of mechanosensory stimuli in Caenorhabditis elegans”, Journal of Neuroscience, Vol. 15, pp. 2434–2444, 1995.

    Google Scholar 

  5. W.B. Wood (ed), The Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1988.

  6. J.P. Walrond and A.O. Stretton, “Reciprocal Inhibition in the motor nervous system of the nematode Ascaris: direct control of ventral inhibitory motoneurons by dorsal excitatory motoneurons”, Journal of Neuroscience, Vol. 5, pp. 9–15, 1985.

    Google Scholar 

  7. J.J Holland, Adaptation in Natural and Artificial Systems, Ann Arbor, Michigan: University of Michigan Press, 1975.

    Google Scholar 

  8. C.H. Rankin, C.D. Beck and C.M. Chiba, “Caenorhabditis elegans: a new model system for the study of learning and memory”, Behavioral Brain Research, Vol. 37, pp. 89–92, 1990.

    Google Scholar 

  9. J.G. White, D.G. Albertson and M.A. Anness, “Connectivity changes in a class of motoneurone during the development of a Nematode”, Nature, Vol. 271, pp. 764–766, 1978.

    Google Scholar 

  10. P.M. Groves and R.F. Thompson, “Habituation: a dual process theory”, Psychological Review, Vol. 77, pp. 419–450, 1970.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neural Systems and Artificial Life, Institute of Psychology, CNR, 15, viale Marx, 00137, Rome, Italy

    Angelo Cangelosi & Domenico Parisi

  2. Center for Neural and Adaptive Systems, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA

    Domenico Parisi

Authors
  1. Angelo Cangelosi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Domenico Parisi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Cangelosi, A., Parisi, D. A Neural Network Model of Caenorhabditis Elegans: The Circuit of Touch Sensitivity. Neural Processing Letters 6, 91–98 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009615807222

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009615807222

Search

Navigation