[Coding theories and analyzing methods of information contained in neuronal spike trains]

Information transmission in the central nervous system relies on neurons working in relays. At chemical synapses information transmission is by means of neurotransmitters, whereas long-distance transmission is carried out by action potentials conducting along nerve fibers. Hence how to pick up and analyze information contained in the spike trains are important topics of several branches of sciences such as neuroscience, bioinformatics, etc. So far there is lack of ideal ways and means. This review briefly introduces the advantages and limitations of the principal coding theories and analyzing methods of information contained in spike trains, and the progress in this field.