Frequency selectivity of neural circuits with heterogeneous transmission delays

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that heterogeneous transmission delays in neural circuits enable small neuron groups to selectively respond to different input frequencies, revealing how delays influence neural processing.

Contribution

It introduces an analysis of how diverse transmission delays affect frequency selectivity in neural circuits, a factor often overlooked in models.

Findings

Heterogeneous delays enable frequency-specific responses in neural groups.

Delay times and connection strengths jointly determine frequency response.

Incorporating delays alters neural network functioning and connectivity effects.

Abstract

Neurons are connected to other neurons by axons and dendrites that conduct signals with finite velocities, resulting in delays between the firing of a neuron and the arrival of the resultant impulse at other neurons. Since delays greatly complicate the analytical treatment and interpretation of models, they are usually neglected or taken to be uniform, leading to a lack in the comprehension of the effects of delays in neural systems. This paper shows that heterogeneous transmission delays make small groups of neurons respond selectively to inputs with differing frequency spectra. By studying a single integrate-and-fire neuron receiving correlated time-shifted inputs, it is shown how the frequency response is linked to both the strengths and delay times of the afferent connections. The results show that incorporating delays alters the functioning of neural networks, and changes the effect that neural connections and synaptic strengths have.