A Diffusive Homeostatic Signal Maintains Neural Heterogeneity and Responsiveness in Cortical Networks.
PLoS Comput Biol
; 11(7): e1004389, 2015 Jul.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-26158556
ABSTRACT
Gaseous neurotransmitters such as nitric oxide (NO) provide a unique and often overlooked mechanism for neurons to communicate through diffusion within a network, independent of synaptic connectivity. NO provides homeostatic control of intrinsic excitability. Here we conduct a theoretical investigation of the distinguishing roles of NO-mediated diffusive homeostasis in comparison with canonical non-diffusive homeostasis in cortical networks. We find that both forms of homeostasis provide a robust mechanism for maintaining stable activity following perturbations. However, the resulting networks differ, with diffusive homeostasis maintaining substantial heterogeneity in activity levels of individual neurons, a feature disrupted in networks with non-diffusive homeostasis. This results in networks capable of representing input heterogeneity, and linearly responding over a broader range of inputs than those undergoing non-diffusive homeostasis. We further show that these properties are preserved when homeostatic and Hebbian plasticity are combined. These results suggest a mechanism for dynamically maintaining neural heterogeneity, and expose computational advantages of non-local homeostatic processes.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Neurotransmisores
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Homeostasis
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Modelos Neurológicos
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Red Nerviosa
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Plasticidad Neuronal
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Óxido Nítrico
Límite:
Animals
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
PLoS Comput Biol
Asunto de la revista:
BIOLOGIA
/
INFORMATICA MEDICA
Año:
2015
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Suecia