Alterations of maps induced by blockage of synaptic receptors in a computer simulation of the somatosensory system

In the present study we investigate effects of the blockage of excitatory a nd inhibitory synaptic channels in a specific region of the representationa l area of digit 3 using a model of the somatosensory system developed with the neurosimulator GENESIS. The model presents fast, regular and burst spik ing neurons distributed in layers from II/III to V and tactile receptors re presenting the hand surface. The results obtained suggest that the blockage modifies the somatosensory plasticity and show alterations in somatotopic maps depending on the type of the synaptic channel blocked. (C) 2001 Elsevi er Science B.V. All rights reserved.