Analytical integrate-and-fire neuron models with conductance-based dynamics and realistic PSP time course for event-driven simulation strategies

Abstract

Recently, we developed models of analytical integrateand-fire (IF) neurons with conductance-based (COBA) dynamics, the gIF neuron models [1]. These models are based on an analytical approximation of the differential equation describing the IF neuron with exponential synaptic conductances and were successfully tested with respect to their response to random and oscillating inputs. Due to their simple mathematical structure, the gIF models are best suited for fast, event-driven simulation strategies. However, the approximations were based on the assumption of instantaneous rise and exponential decay of the postsynaptic potential (PSP). Consequent to this instantaneous rise, spikes were always produced at the onset of the PSP, which might have consequences for the temporal precision of the cellular responses, as the finite rise time of the PSP and the consequent delay between the onset of synaptic input and spike were not present in this model.