Dynamics of Rhythm Generation:

Role of Ionic Pumps, Exchangers, and Ion Homeostasis



  • The ability of distinct circuits to generate patterns of rhythmic activity is widespread among vertebrate and invertebrate species. These patterns correspond to different functions like control of different rhythmic movements and pathological events like seizure episodes. The dynamics of the circuits producing such patterns are based on the basic principles conserved across phyla. This workshop will investigate roles of interactions of processes on different time and space scales in attaining the robustness and flexibility, characteristic of living circuits.
  • We will focus on the roles played by Na+/K+ pump, Ca2+ pumps, and ion exchangers in generation of functional and dysfunctional rhythms. We would like to bring together experts applying experimental approaches and the computational neuroscience methods developed in the neuroscience, neuro-biophysics, neuro-informatics, neuroethology, and bifurcation theory to determine the basic principles of the transient, intermittent, and steady dynamics of rhythm generation from different phyla.

    • For questions contact Gennady Cymbalyuk (gcymbalyuk@gsu.edu).

    Organizers: Ronald Calabrese and Gennady Cymbalyuk

    Registration: Attendance to all CNS workshops is subject to registration at the conference website.

    The workshop will be held at yet to be identified Auditorium

    Invited Speakers:

    Maxim Bazhenov
    		"Ionic homeostasis and epileptogenesis"
    UCSD, La Jolla, USA
    Gennady Cymbalyuk
    		"Contribution of the Na/K pump current to dynamics of robust and intermittent bursting patterns"
    GSU, Atlanta, USA
    Boris Gutkin
    		"Modelling the Role of Chloride homeostasis pathology in epileptigenesis"
    Ecole Normale Superieure PSL University, Paris, France
    Ryan Phillips
    		"Effects of short-term ionic plasticity of GABAergic synapses in the basal ganglia and brainstem respiratory circuits"
    University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
    Laurence Picton
    		"Roles of the sodium pump in the spinal locomotor circuits of Xenopus tadpoles and mice"
    Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
    Joel Tabak-Sznajder
    		"Surprising Effects of GABAergic Polarity Changes on Episodic Activity in Developing Neural Networks"
    University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
    Ghanim Ullah
    		"The role of glutamate and GABA in neuronal ion homeostasis: Implications for spreading depolarization and rhythms"
    University of South Florida, Tampa, USA

    		Plus additional contributed talks
    ...