Modelling nonlinear integration of synaptic signals by neurones

Neurones with active conductance on dendrites integrate synaptic signals and modulate generation of axon spikes in a nonlinear way. Owing to experimental difficulties, modelling provides invaluable insight for the comprehension of neurone behaviour particularly when dendrites are excitable. We used experimental data obtained for the Anterior Gastric Receptor neurone (AGR neurone), which controls the lobster gastric mill activity, to derive a set of partial differential equations for the membrane voltage. Simulation showed that upon varying the intensity of stimulation on the dendrite, the response pattern between dendrites and axon activity continuously changes. In addition, when only half of the dendritic tree is active, axon firing exhibits regular oscillations and bursting activity. We discuss these results in relation with the experimental work done on the AGR neurone.