Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 4, 2025
08:08
Real-time Electrophysiology: Using Closed-loop Protocols to Probe Neuronal Dynamics and Beyond
Published on: June 24, 2015
11.6K
Synchronization of the neurons coupled with sequential developing electrical and chemical synapses
Zhen Wang1,2, Ramesh Ramamoorthy3, Xiaojian Xi1
1Xi'an Key Laboratory of Advanced Photo-electronics Materials and Energy Conversion Device, School of Science, Xijing University, Xi'an 710123, China.
Mathematical Biosciences and Engineering : MBE
|February 9, 2022
Summary
Transient synapses between neurons can synchronize their activity. Changes in the duration and transition period of electrical to chemical synapses influence neuronal synchronization and error. This mathematical model explores synapse dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Computational neuroscience
- Mathematical modeling of neural systems
- Synaptic plasticity
Background:
- Evidence suggests sequential formation and elimination of electrical and chemical synapses in brain regions.
- Understanding synapse dynamics is crucial for comprehending neural circuit function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To mathematically model and investigate neuronal synchronization.
- To analyze the impact of transient electrical synapses transforming into chemical synapses over time.
Main Methods:
- A purely mathematical modeling approach was employed.
- Simulations focused on neurons connected by synapses with time-varying properties (electrical to chemical).
- Analysis of synchronization patterns and synchronization error under different transition dynamics.
Main Results:
- Transient synapses promote burst synchronization in resting neurons.
- Constant co-existence of both synapse types does not yield the same synchronization.
- Synchronization is sensitive to the transition period and duration of chemical synapse presence.
Conclusions:
- The dynamic nature of synapses, specifically their sequential transformation, significantly impacts neuronal synchronization.
- Transition period and duration of chemical synapses are critical parameters affecting synchronization error.
- Mathematical modeling provides insights into the functional consequences of synaptic plasticity.
More Related Videos
10:32Design, Surface Treatment, Cellular Plating, and Culturing of Modular Neuronal Networks Composed of Functionally Inter-connected Circuits
Published on: April 15, 2015
8.6K
10:24Electrophysiological and Morphological Characterization of Neuronal Microcircuits in Acute Brain Slices Using Paired Patch-Clamp Recordings
Published on: January 10, 2015
17.5K
Related Concept Videos
02:47The Synapse
128.3K
Neurons communicate with one another by passing on their electrical signals to other neurons. A synapse is the location where two neurons meet to exchange signals. At the synapse, the neuron that sends the signal is called the presynaptic cell, while the neuron that receives the message is called the postsynaptic cell. Note that most neurons can be both presynaptic and postsynaptic, as they both transmit and receive information.
128.3K
01:28Neuronal Communication
1.6K
Neurons, the fundamental units of the brain and nervous system, communicate through complex electrochemical signals that underpin all cognitive and bodily functions. This communication is primarily facilitated by a process involving the generation and propagation of an action potential along the axon of the neuron. When the internal electrical charge of a neuron surpasses a certain threshold, an action potential is triggered. This rapid change in voltage travels swiftly along the axon to the...
1.6K
01:25Overview of Synapses
3.4K
A synapse is a specialized structure where two neurons connect, allowing them to pass an electrical or chemical signal to another neuron. It is the point of communication between neurons. The term "synapse" is derived from the Greek word "synapsis," which means "conjunction." The entire process of neural communication revolves around the synapse. When activated, a neuron releases chemicals known as neurotransmitters into the synapse. These neurotransmitters cross the synapse and bind to...
3.4K
01:28Electrical Synapses
9.2K
Electrical synapses found in all nervous systems play important and unique roles. In these synapses, the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes are very close together (3.5 nm) and are actually physically connected by channel proteins forming gap junctions.
Gap junctions allow the current to pass directly from one cell to the next. In contrast, in the chemical synapse, the neurotransmitters carry the information through the synaptic cleft from one neuron to the next. They consist of two...
Gap junctions allow the current to pass directly from one cell to the next. In contrast, in the chemical synapse, the neurotransmitters carry the information through the synaptic cleft from one neuron to the next. They consist of two...
9.2K
01:09Synaptic Signaling
5.8K
Neurons communicate at synapses, or junctions, to excite or inhibit the activity of other neurons or target cells, such as muscles. Synapses may be chemical or electrical.
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...
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...
5.8K
01:25Neural Circuits
1.8K
Neural circuits and neuronal pools are two of the main structures found in the nervous system. Neural circuits are networks of neurons that work together to carry out a specific task or process. They consist of interconnected neurons and glial cells, which provide structural and metabolic support.
Neuronal pools are collections of nerve cells with similar functions and interact through chemical and electrical signals. These pools include both interneurons (the central neural circuit nodes that...
Neuronal pools are collections of nerve cells with similar functions and interact through chemical and electrical signals. These pools include both interneurons (the central neural circuit nodes that...
1.8K