The adaptation ability of neuronal models subject to a current step stimulus.
Three neuronal models of the spike initiating process were investigated with respect to their ability to show adaptation to a current step: (i) the perfect integrator model (PIM), (ii) the leaky integrator model (LIM), and (iii) the Hodgkin-Huxley (HH)-model. It was found that although each neuronal model will generate different response spike trains to a given stimulus, all responses fulfilled the criteria of a deterministic neural response (Awiszus 1988). The results show that both PIM and LIM are unable to show adaptation regardless of the choice of model parameters whereas the HH-model shows a clear rate of discharge adaptation. The reason for this adaptation lies in the fact that there are conditions for the HH-model where a step stimulus is highly effective. These conditions are investigated by means of a phase plane analysis. Consequences of these results for the explanation of neuronal adaptation and the validity of the neuronal models investigated are discussed.
Awiszus
F
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Abteilung Neurophysiologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Federal Republic of Germany.
D000200:Action Potentials; D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*