Figure 8.

Figure 8.

Coupled oscillator model of architectural change from a pacemaker to a network oscillator-based spinal locomotor circuits of developing zebrafish. A, Schematic of coupled oscillators model. Two coupled oscillators: a harmonic oscillator representing a pacemaker (PM) kernel and a damped oscillator representing a half-center network oscillator. The coupling coefficient F₀ represents either the developmental stage or the presence (or absence) of gap-junctions. The damping coefficient models the application or absence of strychnine. The output of the network is read at the output of the half-center. B, Autocorrelation analysis of model output. C, Schematics of the development of spinal locomotor circuits from 3 to 5 dpf. Before 3 dpf, a kernel of IC drives, via gap junctions, two contralateral chains of electrically coupled MNs distributed along the body. Reciprocal inhibition between both sides, which is not illustrated, exists but is not responsible for rhythm generation. After 3 dpf, network oscillators are assembled, first at the caudal end of the spinal cord and then across the length of the spinal cord.