Simulated Dopamine Modulation of a Neurorobotic Model of the Basal Ganglia.

ABSTRACT: The vertebrate basal ganglia play an important role in action selection-the resolution of conflicts between alternative motor programs. The effective operation of basal ganglia circuitry is also known to rely on appropriate levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine. We investigated reducing or increasing the tonic level of simulated dopamine in a prior model of the basal ganglia integrated into a robot control architecture engaged in a foraging task inspired by animal behaviour. The main findings were that progressive reductions in the levels of simulated dopamine caused slowed behaviour and, at low levels, an inability to initiate movement. These states were partially relieved by increased salience levels (stronger sensory/motivational input). Conversely, increased simulated dopamine caused

SUBMITTER: Prescott TJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10967936 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature