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Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Real-time Electrophysiology: Using Closed-loop Protocols to Probe Neuronal Dynamics and Beyond
Published on: June 24, 2015
Spiking neurons and the first passage problem
Lawrence Sirovich1, Bruce Knight
1Laboratory of Applied Mathematics, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA. lsirovich@rockefeller.edu
Abstract:
We derive a model of a neuron's interspike interval probability density through analysis of the first passage problem. The fit of our expression to retinal ganglion cell laboratory data extracts three physiologically relevant parameters, with which our model yields input-output features that conform to laboratory results. Preliminary analysis suggests that under common circumstances, local circuitry readjusts these parameters with changes in firing rate and so endeavors to faithfully replicate an input signal. Further results suggest that the so-called principle of sloppy workmanship also plays a role in evolution's choice of these parameters.
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