Spike synchronization in a biophysically-detailed model of the olfactory bulb

Stimulus-evoked synchronization of action potentials has been demonstrated in mammalian olfactory bulb and in insect antennal lobes. Abolition of sync hronization has been shown to impair the ability of honeybees to perform li ne olfactory discrimination. We present a biophysically detailed computer m odel of the olfactory bulb which qualitatively reproduces many features see n in experimental recordings. The mitral cells of the model synchronize rea dily without common input due to lateral interactions with inhibitory granu le cells. Weakly activated mitral cells fire more slowly than, but always s ynchronously with, strongly activated cells. Nearby cells synchronize more readily than widely separated ones. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.