title: Synaptic signal streams generated by ex vivo neuronal networks contain non-random, complex patterns.
abstract: Cultured embryonic neurons develop functional networks that transmit synaptic signals over multiple sequentially connected neurons as revealed by multi-electrode arrays (MEAs) embedded within the culture dish. Signal streams of ex vivo networks contain spikes and bursts of varying amplitude and duration. Despite the random interactions inherent in dissociated cultures, neurons are capable of establishing functional ex vivo networks that transmit signals among synaptically connected neurons, undergo developmental maturation, and respond to exogenous stimulation by alterations in signal patterns. These characteristics indicate that a considerable degree of organization is an inherent property of neurons. We demonstrate herein that (1) certain signal types occur more frequently than others, (2) the predominant signal types change during and following maturation, (3) signal predominance is dependent upon inhibitory activity, and (4) certain signals preferentially follow others in a non-reciprocal manner. These findings indicate that the elaboration of complex signal streams comprised of a non-random distribution of signal patterns is an emergent property of ex vivo neuronal networks.
authors.affiliation: Center for Neurobiology and Neurodegeneration Research, UMass Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, United States; Department of Biological Sciences, UMass Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, United States.
authors.forename: Sangmook
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Center for Neurobiology and Neurodegeneration Research, UMass Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, United States; Department of Biological Sciences, UMass Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, United States.
authors.forename: Jill M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Zemianek
authors.affiliation: Center for Neurobiology and Neurodegeneration Research, UMass Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, United States; Department of Computer Science, UMass Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, United States.
authors.forename: Abraham
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shultz
authors.affiliation: Center for Neurobiology and Neurodegeneration Research, UMass Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, United States.
authors.forename: Anh
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vo
authors.affiliation: Center for Neurobiology and Neurodegeneration Research, UMass Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, United States.
authors.forename: Ben Y
authors.initials: BY
authors.lastname: Maron
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, UMass Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, United States.
authors.forename: Mikaela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Therrien
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, UMass Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, United States.
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Courtright
authors.affiliation: Center for Neurobiology and Neurodegeneration Research, UMass Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, United States; Department of Biological Sciences, UMass Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, United States.
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Guaraldi
authors.affiliation: Center for Neurobiology and Neurodegeneration Research, UMass Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, United States; Department of Computer Science, UMass Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, United States.
authors.forename: Holly A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Yanco
authors.affiliation: Center for Neurobiology and Neurodegeneration Research, UMass Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, United States; Department of Biological Sciences, UMass Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, United States. Electronic address: Thomas_shea@uml.edu.
authors.forename: Thomas B
authors.initials: TB
authors.lastname: Shea
mesh_terms: D000200:Action Potentials / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D001640:Bicuculline / Q000494:pharmacology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000166:cytology; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian; D058787:GABA-A Receptor Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000196:embryology / Q000502:physiology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology*; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D058787:GABA-A Receptor Antagonists; D001640:Bicuculline
keywords: Cultured neurons; Multi-electrode array; Neuronal network; Synaptic activity