The role of synchronization of neural structures on neuron dynamics

Abstract

Due to the measurement techniques developed, it is now possible to observe signals at different levels in neural structures. These observations give rise to increasing works dealing with setting up the relation between such signals and cognitive processes, neurodegenerative diseases and neurobehavioral disorders. Computational neuroscience is becoming more influential in investigating the mechanisms underlining these signals. Especially oscillations in different neural structures and the role of these oscillations on the dynamics of a neuron that is in connection with these structures have drawn the attention of computational neuroscience recently. In this work, the direct pathway in basal ganglia circuits, which takes place in action selection has been considered. The role of synchrony in striatum — the input structure of basal ganglia circuits, on the dynamics of the neurons in thalamus — the output structure of basal ganglia has been investigated. This work reveals that this effect depends on the dynamics of thalamus neurons and explains the role of the rebound activity in thalamus.