Network Plasticity in Simulated and Living Cortical Networks : Comparison of the Center of Activity Trajectory ( CAT ) With Other Metrics

We study stimulus-induced plasticity in cultured cortical networks as an in vitro model for learning and memory. Lasting changes in functional connectivity have been difficult to detect using standard firing-rate metrics. Here we used a simulated model network to compare the ability of 6 different metrics to quantify network plasticity. We then applied the most successful metric, and two commonly used ones, to measure functional plasticity in living networks grown on MEAs.