Multifractal statistics and underlying kinetics of neuron spiking time-series

Probabilistic and multifractal properties of spiking time-series obtained i n vivo from singular neurons belonging to red nucleus of the rat brain are analyzed. Lognormal and "-1" power-law probability distributions of intersp ike intervals are observed for healthy and for genetically depressive rats, respectively. A simple thermodynamic model is elaborated to interpret obta ined results. Investigation of long-range interspike correlations (both pro babilistic and multifractal) gives indications that the genetically defined depression is related to individual neurons kinetic problems rather than t o the brain system disorder. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights rese rved.