Variability of spatio-temporal patterns in non-homogeneous rings of spiking neurons

Chaos. 2011 Dec;21(4):047511. doi: 10.1063/1.3665200.

Abstract

We show that a ring of unidirectionally delay-coupled spiking neurons may possess a multitude of stable spiking patterns and provide a constructive algorithm for generating a desired spiking pattern. More specifically, for a given time-periodic pattern, in which each neuron fires once within the pattern period at a predefined time moment, we provide the coupling delays and/or coupling strengths leading to this particular pattern. The considered homogeneous networks demonstrate a great multistability of various travelling time- and space-periodic waves which can propagate either along the direction of coupling or in opposite direction. Such a multistability significantly enhances the variability of possible spatio-temporal patterns and potentially increases the coding capability of oscillatory neuronal loops. We illustrate our results using FitzHugh-Nagumo neurons interacting via excitatory chemical synapses as well as limit-cycle oscillators.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Biological Clocks / physiology*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Humans
  • Models, Neurological*
  • Nerve Net / physiology*
  • Neurons / physiology*