# Neural Basis of Behavioral Arousal

> **NIH NIH R01** · ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI · 2022 · $370,781

## Abstract

Project Summary
Many neural networks dynamically transition from one type of activity to another. Most studies designed to
determine how task switching occurs at the circuit or cellular/molecular level have emphasized the `decision
making' process that initiates one type of activity and terminates another. This research often targets `higher
order' or command-like neurons. Our research demonstrates that this approach has limitations. Thus, the
dynamics of task switching can be greatly impacted by the ability of a network to respond to a change in
`command'. The circuit that we study is similar to many others in that its activity is configured and reconfigured
by modulatory neurotransmitters that exert effects that persist and create an implicit form of memory. An
important general question our research addresses is; how will persistent modulation impact task switching?
We address this question in the situation where the switch is between two types of `antagonistic' motor
programs. Initial studies of task switching characterized a situation where there was a `negative' effect, i.e.,
persistent effects of neuromodulation made it impossible to task switch immediately. This `task switch cost'
was observed in a situation in which it is presumably beneficial. Namely, we demonstrated that a feeding
network that had repeatedly generated egestive motor programs could not rapidly switch and generate
ingestive motor activity. Research proposed in this application addresses a new issue; is there a situation in
which persistent neuromodulation can have the opposite effect and be `beneficial' for task switching? Taken
together previous and preliminary data strongly suggest that the answer to this question is yes. Proposed
experiments are designed to seek further support for this idea. In broad terms our research will provide insight
into circuit and cellular/molecular mechanisms that can facilitate or impede task switching. These mechanisms
are of considerable general interest since task switching is essential for most species (including humans) to
cope with changes in the external environment.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10319187
- **Project number:** 5R01NS066587-39
- **Recipient organization:** ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI
- **Principal Investigator:** ELIZABETH C CROPPER
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $370,781
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1990-05-01 → 2024-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10319187

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10319187, Neural Basis of Behavioral Arousal (5R01NS066587-39). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10319187. Licensed CC0.

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