From Nano-Scale Neural Excitability to Long Term Synaptic Modification

Neurons within human brain make use of two communication paradigms while pursuing an objective, namely, classical electromagnetic and molecular. Physiological studies revealed that communication performance between neurons, including memory formation and learning processes, highly depends on the concentration of calcium ions, whereas the intracellular calcium concentration hinges on regulation of neuron's membrane potential. Hence, the neuronal communication performance can be affected via controlled stimulation of targeted cell. In this paper we analyze the neuronal communication as potential paradigm to be applied for communication between nano-scale devices and define the stochastic spiking model, that is confined to randomness associated with neuron's firing, in order to acquire and quantify the neuron's response given specified stimulus. We also present synaptic transmission process and modifications related to memory formation and storage using existing simplified theoretical models on calcium dependent behavior and learning. Using modeling, theory, and findings presented in this paper, one can design the stimulus with adequate power spectral density in order to evoke desired synaptic modifications in terms of its strengthening and weakening. Similar approach provides a basement for future technologies and controlling method for nano-scale communication between peers.