Complex synchronous behavior in interneuronal networks with delayed inhibitory and fast electrical synapses

TL;DR

This study investigates how delayed inhibitory and electrical synapses influence synchronization and oscillatory patterns in interneuronal networks, revealing critical roles for delay and synaptic reliability in neural oscillation dynamics.

Contribution

It demonstrates the combined effects of delayed inhibitory and electrical synapses on network synchronization and oscillatory behavior, highlighting the importance of synaptic delay and reliability.

Findings

Increased inhibitory delay causes a transition from regular to mixed oscillations.

Low synaptic reliability disrupts synchronization and oscillatory patterns.

Long inhibitory delays require higher reliability for mixed oscillations.

Abstract

Networks of fast-spiking interneurons are crucial for the generation of neural oscillations in the brain. Here we study the synchronous behavior of interneuronal networks that are coupled by delayed inhibitory and fast electrical synapses. We find that both coupling modes play a crucial role by the synchronization of the network. In addition, delayed inhibitory synapses affect the emerging oscillatory patterns. By increasing the inhibitory synaptic delay, we observe a transition from regular to mixed oscillatory patterns at a critical value. We also examine how the unreliability of inhibitory synapses influences the emergence of synchronization and the oscillatory patterns. We find that low levels of reliability tend to destroy synchronization, and moreover, that interneuronal networks with long inhibitory synaptic delays require a minimal level of reliability for the mixed oscillatory pattern to be maintained.