A low-dimensional, time-resolved and adapting model neuron

A low-dimensional, time-resolved and adapting model neuron is formulated and evaluated. The model is an extension of the integrate-and-fire type of model with respect to adaptation and of a recent adapting firing-rate model with respect to time-resolution. It is obtained from detailed conductance-based models by a separation of fast and slow ionic processes of action potential generation. The model explicitly includes firing-rate regulation via the slow afterhyperpolarization phase of action potentials, which is controlled by calcium-sensitive potassium channels. It is demonstrated that the model closely reproduces the firing pattern and excitability behaviour of a detailed multicompartment conductance-based model of a neocortical pyramidal cell. The inclusion of adaptation in a model neuron is important for its capability to generate complex dynamics of networks of interconnected neurons. The time-resolution is required for studies of systems in which the temporal aspects of neural coding are important. The simplicity of the model facilitates analytical studies, insight into neurocomputational mechanisms and simulations of large-scale systems. The capability to generate complex network computations may also make the model useful in practical applications of artificial neural networks.