Timing of neural commands: a model study with neuronal networks

Networks constructed of biologically realistic model neurons (neuroids) were used to study how in a neural assembly using pulse (interval)-coded information slow rhythmical oscillations with possible mode transitions might occur and how the efferent commands might be structured and their phase-shifts created. The simulations show that slow oscillations (in the hertz range) can be derived from reverberatory spiking in relatively short closed loops (fewer than ten neuroids) with the inputs protected against disturbing afferent signals and the outputs coupled by convergence on a common neuroid. Slow oscillations can be modified by a tonic activity entering the network; this activity changes the transmission time in the coupled loops involved. The structuring of the regulatory commands (in the millisecond range) was achieved by simulation of sequential activity propagation in a non-ring neuronal assembly supervised by a tonic activity in a set of inputs. The tonic activity acted as an instructive signal influencing the pattern of the functional connectivity in such a way that a particular efferent command was generated by the instructed network. Received: 3 March 1997 / Accepted in revised form: 15 July 1997