Abstract
Electrophysiologists study neuronal input-output behavior by approximating synaptic input with a predetermined current waveform. In living tissue however, a synaptic event induces a conductance change in the neuronal membrane, and the current passed through that conductance is not predetermined, but a function of the continuously changing membrane potential. Using high frequency feedback, the dynamic clamp technique allows experimentalists to introduce conductance changes in living neurons. Using a dynamic clamp, we find that current steps elicit greater membrane potential variance than more natural conductance steps. In addition, reliability profiles to the same pseudo-synaptic waveform change when currents are substituted for conductances. Hence, under certain conditions current input is an invalid approximation of conductance changes, and dynamic clamp should be used to examine neuronal input-output behaviors. Furthermore, dynamic clamp can be used as a control tool for other neuronal experiments. We demonstrate the use of a dynamic clamp as a signal detector, a frequency control device, and as a way to connect living cells to virtual networks. Thus we show that the dynamic clamp technique is a critical tool not only useful for mapping neuronal input-output function, but in a broader context of neuronal control.
Original language | English (US) |
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Title of host publication | Conference Proceedings - 1st International IEEE EMBS Conference on Neural Engineering |
Editors | Laura J. Wolf, Jodi L. Strock |
Publisher | IEEE Computer Society |
Pages | 71-74 |
Number of pages | 4 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 0780375793 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2003 |
Event | 1st International IEEE EMBS Conference on Neural Engineering - Capri Island, Italy Duration: Mar 20 2003 → Mar 22 2003 |
Publication series
Name | International IEEE/EMBS Conference on Neural Engineering, NER |
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Volume | 2003-January |
ISSN (Print) | 1948-3546 |
ISSN (Electronic) | 1948-3554 |
Other
Other | 1st International IEEE EMBS Conference on Neural Engineering |
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Country/Territory | Italy |
City | Capri Island |
Period | 3/20/03 → 3/22/03 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2003 IEEE.
Keywords
- Biomembranes
- Clamps
- Computational modeling
- Frequency control
- In vivo
- Neurofeedback
- Neurons
- Neurophysiology
- Signal detection
- Voltage