Diffusive coupling can induce synchronized periodic activity in neural networks

Abstract

Diffusive coupling also known as nearest-neighbor coupling is a common form of coupling but its role in the behavior of neural circuits is unclear. Previous experimental and theoretical studies have shown that potassium lateral diffusion coupling (i.e., diffusive coupling) was responsible for synchronization of neuronal activity. We tested the hypothesis that potassium lateral diffusion coupling is required to generate periodic epileptiform activity in a zero-Ca(2+) CA1 pyramidal neuron network model. The simulation results show that potassium lateral diffusion coupling is crucial for establishing a periodic synchronized epileptiform activity similar to that observed in experimental preparations. This results suggest that potassium lateral diffusion coupling - a physiological realization of the concept of diffusive coupling - can play a role in network behavior.