Discontinuity-Induced Dynamics in the Conductance-Based Adaptive Exponential Integrate-and-Fire Model

In this article, we present a computational study of the Conductance-Based Adaptive Exponential (CAdEx) integrate-and-fire neuronal model, focusing on its multiple timescale nature, and on how it shapes its main dynamical regimes. In particular, we show that the spiking and so-called delayed bursting regimes of the model are triggered by discontinuity-induced bifurcations that are directly related to the multiple-timescale aspect of the model, and are mediated by canard solutions. By means of a numerical bifurcation analysis of the model, using the software package COCO, we can precisely describe the mechanisms behind these dynamical scenarios. Spike-increment transitions are revealed. These transitions are accompanied by a fold and a period-doubling bifurcation, and are organised in parameter space along an isola periodic solutions with resets. Finally, we also unveil the presence of a homoclinic bifurcation terminating a canard explosion which, together with the presence of resets, organises the delayed bursting regime of the model.