Pyramidal neurons switch from integrators to resonators (Prescott et al. 2008)

During wakefulness, pyramidal neurons in the intact brain are bombarded by synaptic input that causes tonic depolarization, increased membrane conductance (i.e. shunting), and noisy fluctuations in membrane potential; by comparison, pyramidal neurons in acute slices typically experience little background input. Such differences in operating conditions can compromise extrapolation of in vitro data to explain neuronal operation in vivo. ... in slice experiments, we show that CA1 hippocampal pyramidal cells switch from integrators to resonators, i.e. from class 1 to class 2 excitability. The switch is explained by increased outward current contributed by the M-type potassium current IM ... Thus, even so-called “intrinsic” properties may differ qualitatively between in vitro and in vivo conditions.

Model Type: Neuron or other electrically excitable cell

Cell Type(s): Abstract Morris-Lecar neuron

Currents: I Na,t; I K; I M

Model Concept(s): Oscillations; Simplified Models; Synaptic Integration; Bifurcation

Simulation Environment: XPPAUT

Implementer(s): Prescott, Steven [steve.prescott at sickkids.ca]]

References:

Prescott SA, Ratté S, De Koninck Y, Sejnowski TJ. (2008). Pyramidal neurons switch from integrators in vitro to resonators under in vivo-like conditions. Journal of neurophysiology. 100 [PubMed]