Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Stochastic Noise Application for the Assessment of Medial Vestibular Nucleus Neuron Sensitivity In Vitro
Published on: August 28, 2019
Noise enhances subthreshold oscillations in injured primary sensory neurons
Yu-Ying Wang1, Zhi-Hong Wen, Jian-Hong Duan
1Institute of Neuroscience, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
Abstract:
Noise can play a constructive role in the detection of weak signals in various kinds of peripheral receptors and neurons. What the mechanism underlying the effect of noise is remains unclear. Here, the perforated patch-clamp technique was used on isolated cells from chronic compression of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) model. Our data provided new insight indicating that, under conditions without external signals, noise can enhance subthreshold oscillations, which was observed in a certain type of neurons with high-frequency (20-100 Hz) intrinsic resonance from injured DRG neurons. The occurrence of subthreshold oscillation considerably decreased the threshold potential for generating repetitive firing. The above effects of noise can be abolished by blocking the persistent sodium current (I(Na, P)). Utilizing a mathematical neuron model we further simulated the effect of noise on subthreshold oscillation and firing, and also found that noise can enhance the electrical activity through autonomous stochastic resonance. Accordingly, we propose a new concept of the effects of noise on neural intrinsic activity, which suggests that noise may be an important factor for modulating the excitability of neurons and generation of chronic pain signals.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology
Neurogenesis and Regeneration of Nervous Tissue
Spinal Cord Injury ll: Pathophysiology
The Cochlea
Olfactory Receptors: Location and Structure
Nociception

