Document Detail


Linear versus nonlinear signal transmission in neuron models with adaptation currents or dynamic thresholds.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  21045213     Owner:  NLM     Status:  In-Process    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Spike-frequency adaptation is a prominent aspect of neuronal dynamics that shapes a neuron's signal processing properties on timescales ranging from about 10 ms to >1 s. For integrate-and-fire model neurons spike-frequency adaptation is incorporated either as an adaptation current or as a dynamic firing threshold. Whether a physiologically observed adaptation mechanism should be modeled as an adaptation current or a dynamic threshold, however, is not known. Here we show that a dynamic threshold has a divisive effect on the onset f-I curve (the initial maximal firing rate following a step increase in an input current) measured at increasing mean threshold levels, i.e., adaptation states. In contrast, an adaptation current subtractively shifts this f-I curve to higher inputs without affecting its slope. As a consequence, an adaptation current acts essentially linearly, resulting in a high-pass filter component of the neuron's transfer function for current stimuli. With a dynamic threshold, however, the transfer function strongly depends on the input range because of the multiplicative effect on the f-I curves. Simulations of conductance-based spiking models with adaptation currents, such as afterhyperpolarization (AHP)-type, M-type, and sodium-activated potassium currents, do not show the divisive effects of a dynamic threshold, but agree with the properties of integrate-and-fire neurons with adaptation current. Notably, the effects of slow inactivation of sodium currents cannot be reproduced by either model. Our results suggest that, when lateral shifts of the onset f-I curve are seen in response to adapting inputs, adaptation should be modeled with adaptation currents and not with a dynamic threshold. In contrast, when the slope of onset f-I curves depends on the adaptation state, then adaptation should be modeled with a dynamic threshold. Further, the observation of divisively altered onset f-I curves in adapted neurons with notable variability of their spike threshold could hint to yet known biophysical mechanisms directly affecting the threshold.
Authors:
Jan Benda; Leonard Maler; André Longtin
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Journal of neurophysiology     Volume:  104     ISSN:  1522-1598     ISO Abbreviation:  J. Neurophysiol.     Publication Date:  2010 Nov 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2010-11-03     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  0375404     Medline TA:  J Neurophysiol     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  2806-20     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Division of Neurobiology, Department Biology II, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany. benda@bio.lmu.de
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Grant Support
ID/Acronym/Agency:
49510//Canadian Institutes of Health Research

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