We observed a new phenomenon of resonant synchronization in computer-simulated networks of inhibitory neurons in which the synaptic current has a delayed onset, reflecting finite spike propagation and synaptic transmission times. At the resonant level of network excitation, all neurons fire synchronously and rhythmically with a period approximately four times the mean delay of the onset of the inhibitory synaptic current. ... By varying the axonal delay of the inhibitory connections, networks with a realistic synaptic kinetics can be tuned to frequencies from 40 to >200 Hz. ... We conclude that the delay of the synaptic current is the primary parameter controlling the oscillation frequency of inhibitory networks and propose that delay-induced synchronization is a mechanism for fast brain rhythms that depend on intact inhibitory synaptic transmission.
Model Type: Realistic Network
Region(s) or Organism(s): Generic
Cell Type(s): Cerebellum interneuron granule GLU cell
Currents: I Na,t; I L high threshold; I A; I K; I h; I K,Ca
Model Concept(s): Oscillations; Synchronization; Simplified Models
Simulation Environment: GENESIS (web link to model)
Implementer(s): Maex, Reinoud [reinoud at bbf.uia.ac.be]
References:
Maex R, De Schutter E. (2003). Resonant synchronization in heterogeneous networks of inhibitory neurons. The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience. 23 [PubMed]