Dynamic Properties of Purkinje Cells Having Different Electrophysiological Parameters: a Model Study

Abstract

Simple spikes and complex spikes are two distinguishing features in neurons of the cerebellar cortex; the motor learning and memory processes are dependent on these firing patterns. In our research, the detailed firing behaviors of Purkinje cells were investigated using a computer compartmental neuronal model. By means of application of numerical stimuli, the abundant dynamical properties involved in the multifarious firing patterns (such as the Max-Min potentials of each spike and period-adding/perioddoubling bifurcations) appeared. Neuronal interspike interval (ISI) diagrams, frequency diagrams, and current-voltage diagrams for different ions were plotted. Finally, Poincare mapping was used as a theoretical method to markedly distinguish timing of the above firing patterns. Our simulation results indicated that firing of Purkinje cells varies dynamically depending on different electrophysiological parameters of these neurons, and the respective properties may play significant roles in the formation of the mentioned characteristics of dynamical firings in the coding strategy for information processing and learning.