Dynamics of active neuronal dendrites and their functional significance

Dynamical properties of brain neurons are more complex and diverse than the neuron models used in artificial neural network studies. Here a pyramidal neuron in hippocampus is modeled based on physiological findings, which is known to show calcium-dependent dynamics in dendrites. Responses of the model neuron to excitatory stimuli on the dendrites are studied under the varied somatic inhibitions. Computer simulations demonstrate synaptic control of spatiotemporal dynamics of the active dendrite system. Highly organized neuronal information processing might be possible by the interaction between the hierarchical dendrite system and the dendritic pattern of synapse distribution.