EXPERIMENTAL BASIS FOR REALISTIC LARGE-SCALE COMPUTER-SIMULATION OF THE ENTERIC NERVOUS-SYSTEM

1. The enteric nervous system is perhaps the most accessible part of t he mammalian nervous system in which it is feasible to attempt large s cale computer simulation that is based closely on experimentally deter mined data. Here we summarize the data obtained for simulation of moti lity reflexes in the guinea-pig small intestine. 2. The chemistry, mor phology and connectivity of each type of neuron involved in intrinsic reflexes have been investigated and most classes of neurons are physio logically well characterized. This includes primary sensory neurons, a scending and descending interneurons and motor neurons to circular and longitudinal muscle. 3. The responses of primary sensory neurons and the physiology of synaptic transmission from sensory neurons to intern eurons and motor neurons, from interneurons to interneurons and from i nterneurons to motor neurons have been recorded during reflexes and in some cases the pharmacology of transmission has also been investigate d. 4. Computer simulation, in which the activities of up to 30 000 neu rons are modelled, produces patterns of activity that closely mimic th ose recorded in physiological experiments.