Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026

Presynaptically Silent Synapses Studied with Light Microscopy
Published on: January 5, 2010
Recovery of hidden information through synaptic dynamics
Misha I Rabinovich1, R D Pinto, Henry D I Abarbanel
1Institute for Nonlinear Science, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0402, USA.
Abstract:
The role of synaptic dynamics in processing neural information is investigated in a neural information channel with realistic model neurons having chaotic intrinsic dynamics. Our neuron models are realized in simple analogue circuits, and our synaptic connections are realized both in analogue circuits and through a dynamic clamp program. The information which is input to the first chaotic neuron in the channel emerges partially absent and partially 'hidden'. Part is absent because of the dynamical effects of the chaotic oscillation that effectively acts as a noisy channel. The 'hidden' part is recoverable. We show that synaptic parameters, most significantly receptor binding time constants, can be tuned to enhance the information transmission by the combination of a neuron plus a synapse. We discuss how the dynamics of the synapse can be used to recover 'hidden' information using average mutual information as a measure of the quality of information transport.
Related Concept Videos
Synaptic Signaling
Long-term Depression
Synaptic Signaling
Most synapses are chemical, meaning an electrical impulse or action potential spurs the release of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. The neuron sending the signal is called the presynaptic neuron, and the neuron receiving the signal is the postsynaptic neuron.
The presynaptic neuron fires an action potential that...
Long-term Depression
Calcium Ion Concentration Mechanism
If over time, all...
Postsynaptic Potential (PSP)
There are two types of receptors: ionotropic and metabotropic.
The ionotropic receptor is the membrane protein that has an...
Integration of Synaptic Events

