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Partial phase synchronization of neural populations due to random Poisson inputs
Per Danzl1, Robert Hansen, Guillaume Bonnet
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA. pdanzl@engineering.ucsb.edu
Journal of Computational Neuroscience
|December 29, 2007
Summary
Populations of identical neurons show partial phase synchronization when stimulated with random current spikes. This synchronization influences neuronal population responses to stimulation, not necessarily spike synchrony.
Area of Science:
- Computational neuroscience
- Neuronal dynamics
- Systems neuroscience
Background:
- Understanding neuronal population dynamics is crucial for brain function.
- The relationship between phase synchrony and spike synchrony in uncoupled neurons is not fully understood.
- Stimulation patterns significantly impact neuronal network behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate partial phase synchronization in populations of identical uncoupled neurons.
- To analyze the influence of stimulus properties on neuronal synchronization.
- To differentiate phase synchrony from spike synchrony and explore the functional relevance of partial phase synchrony.
Main Methods:
- Analytical approximations and numerical simulations of phase-reduced and conductance-based neuron models (Hindmarsh-Rose, Hodgkin-Huxley).
- Stimulation with independent, random unidirectional current spikes from a Poisson distribution.
- Characterization of synchronization using population phase distribution and first spike time histograms.
Main Results:
- Identical uncoupled neurons exhibit partial phase synchronization under specific stimulation.
- The extent of synchronization is quantitatively dependent on stimulus magnitude and mean interspike frequency.
- Phase synchrony can occur independently of strong spike synchrony.
Conclusions:
- Partial phase synchrony is a distinct phenomenon from spike synchrony in neuronal populations.
- This partial phase synchrony plays a significant role in modulating the population's response to external stimulation.
- The findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of neuronal information processing.
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