Open AccessActivity-dependent current distributions in model neurons.
Author(s) -
Micah S. Siegel,
Eve Marder,
L. F. Abbott
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.011
H-Index - 771
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.91.24.11308
Subject(s) - neuron , neuroscience , hebbian theory , synaptic plasticity , long term potentiation , biological neuron model , biological system , physics , biology , computer science , artificial neural network , artificial intelligence , biochemistry , receptor
The electrical activity of a neuron can affect its intrinsic physiological characteristics through a wide range of processes. We study a computer-simulated multicompartment model neuron in which channel density depends on local Ca2+ concentrations. This has three interesting consequences for the spatial distribution of conductances and the physiological behavior of the neuron: (i) the model neuron spontaneously develops a realistic, nonuniform distribution of conductances that is linked both to the morphology of the neuron and to the pattern of synaptic input that it receives, (ii) the response to synaptic input reveals a form of intrinsic localized plasticity that balances the synaptic contribution from dendritic regions receiving unequal stimulation, and (iii) intrinsic plasticity establishes a biophysical gain control that restores the neuron to its optimal firing range after synapses are strengthened by "Hebbian" long-term potentiation.