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Krasnow Institute > Monday Seminars > Abstracts
Synchrony-dependent Propagation of Neural Signals in In Vitro Networks Alex Reyes Center for Neural Science, New York University The manner in which neural signals are represented in networks remains unclear. To examine experimentally how signals are processed, a multilayer feedforward network of neurons was reproduced in an in vitro slice preparation using a computer-driven iterative procedure. When constant and time-varying frequency inputs were delivered to the first layer of the network, the firing of neurons in successive layers became progressively more synchronous. Synchrony persisted under a wide range of network configurations. The fact that synchrony is so robust raises the problem of how to limit its spread throughout cortex. Indeed, when a subpopulation of neurons in layer 1 was stimulated, synchrony quickly spread throughout the entire network. We show that the spread of synchrony can effectively be controlled by incorporating lateral inhibition into the networks and using dynamic clamp to deliver stimuli to the neurons. This result coupled with the fact that frequency information can be encoded by synchronous activity suggest that synchrony provides a viable means of transmitting signals throughout the central nervous system .
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