Rhythmogenesis evolves as a consequence of long-term plasticity of inhibitory synapses

Sarit Soloduchin, Maoz Shamir

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Brain rhythms are widely believed to reflect numerous cognitive processes. Changes in rhythmicity have been associated with pathological states. However, the mechanism underlying these rhythms remains unknown. Here, we present a theoretical analysis of the evolvement of rhythm generating capabilities in neuronal circuits. We tested the hypothesis that brain rhythms can be acquired via an intrinsic unsupervised learning process of activity dependent plasticity. Specifically, we focused on spike timing dependent plasticity (STDP) of inhibitory synapses. We detail how rhythmicity can develop via STDP under certain conditions that serve as a natural prediction of the hypothesis. We show how global features of the STDP rule govern and stabilize the resultant rhythmic activity. Finally, we demonstrate how rhythmicity is retained even in the face of synaptic variability. This study suggests a role for inhibitory plasticity that is beyond homeostatic processes.

Original languageEnglish
Article number13050
JournalScientific Reports
Volume8
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Dec 2018

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Rhythmogenesis evolves as a consequence of long-term plasticity of inhibitory synapses'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this