Neural Dynamics in Parkinsonian Brain:The Boundary Between Synchronized and Nonsynchronized Dynamics

TL;DR

This study investigates the neural dynamics in Parkinson's disease, revealing that brain activity operates near the boundary between synchronized and nonsynchronized states, which may facilitate transient neuronal assemblies.

Contribution

The paper combines experimental data and realistic network modeling to show that Parkinsonian brain activity is near a critical boundary between synchronization states.

Findings

Intermittent synchrony can be generated by increased coupling in models.

Parkinsonian brain activity resides near the boundary of synchronization.

Edge-of-synchrony state may facilitate transient neuronal assemblies.

Abstract

Synchronous oscillatory dynamics is frequently observed in the human brain. We analyze the fine temporal structure of phase-locking in a realistic network model and match it with the experimental data from parkinsonian patients. We show that the experimentally observed intermittent synchrony can be generated just by moderately increased coupling strength in the basal ganglia circuits due to the lack of dopamine. Comparison of the experimental and modeling data suggest that brain activity in Parkinson's disease resides in the large boundary region between synchronized and nonsynchronized dynamics. Being on the edge of synchrony may allow for easy formation of transient neuronal assemblies.