Signaling in large-scale neural networks.
We examine the recent finding that neurons in spinal motor circuits enter a high conductance state during functional network activity. The underlying concomitant increase in random inhibitory and excitatory synaptic activity leads to stochastic signal processing. The possible advantages of this metabolically costly organization are analyzed by comparing with synaptically less intense networks driven by the intrinsic response properties of the network neurons.
Berg
Rune W
RW
Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark.
Hounsgaard
Jørn
J
D000818:Animals; D023902:Chromosome Pairing / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000502:physiology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*