A Synchronization-Desynchronization Code for Natural Communication Signals
Jan Benda, André Longtin & Len Maler
Neuron 52, 347-358 (2006)
Abstract
Synchronous spiking of neural populations is hypothesized to play
important computational roles in forming neural assemblies and
solving the binding problem. Although the opposite phenomenon of
desynchronization is well known from EEG studies, it is largely
neglected on the neuronal level. We here provide an example of
in vivo recordings from weakly-electric fish
demonstrating that, depending on the social context, different
types of natural communication signals elicit transient
desynchronization as well as synchronization of the
electroreceptor population without changing the mean firing rate.
We conclude that, in general, both positive and negative changes
in the degree of synchrony can be the relevant signals for neural
information processing.
Last modified: Fri Nov 28 11:23:57 CET 2008