ANALYSIS AND BIOPHYSICAL INTERPRETATION OF BISTABLE BEHAVIOR IN THALAMOCORTICAL NEURONS

Thalamocortical neurons display a wide spectrum of activity patterns t hat are the expressions of the non-linear interactions between the var ious voltage-gated ion channels. Here, we show how bistable behaviour can emerge in these neurons, and how it is brought about by the steady -state residual (''window'') component of I-T, the low-threshold Ca2current. In particular, we present results that describe the dependenc e of bistability on two system parameters: the injected current and th e leakage conductance. In addition, we provide a biophysical interpret ation of these results by means of the properties of the electrical ci rcuit representing the neuron membrane. (C) 1998 IBRO. Published by El sevier Science Ltd.