Computational model of topographic reorganization in somatosensory cortex in response to digit lesions

A biologically plausible computational model of the somatosensory system wh ich allows the study of processes related to the reorganization of somatoto pic maps was developed. The model was constructed with an input layer of ta ctile receptors (hand) connected to a cortical layer of pyramidal and baske t cells (layer IV of area 3b). After the formation of a map in the cortical area, the skin model was lesioned and reorganization was allowed to procee d. The results show that the model is capable of reproducing the formation of the somatotopic maps of the hand with patterns of cortical reorganizatio n similar to those observed in primates. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.