On embedding synfire chains in a balanced network.
We investigate the formation of synfire waves in a balanced network of integrate-and-fire neurons. The synaptic connectivity of this network embodies synfire chains within a sparse random connectivity. This network can exhibit global oscillations but can also operate in an asynchronous activity mode. We analyze the correlations of two neurons in a pool as convenient indicators for the state of the network. We find, using different models, that these indicators depend on a scaling variable. Beyond a critical point, strong correlations and large network oscillations are obtained. We looked for the conditions under which a synfire wave could be propagated on top of an otherwise asynchronous state of the network. This condition was found to be highly restrictive, requiring a large number of neurons for its implementation in our network. The results are based on analytic derivations and simulations.
Aviel
Y
Y
Interdisciplinary Center for Neural Computation, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel. aviel@cc.huji.ac.il
Mehring
C
C
Abeles
M
M
Horn
D
D
D003198:Computer Simulation; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000502:physiology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*