Modeling the electrophysiological properties of in vitro neurobiological systems: communication in neuronal networks and collective electrophysiological activity

Dottorato di Ricerca in Bioingegneria (XIII ciclo) Politecnico di Milano Modeling the electrophysiological properties of in vitroneurobiological systems: communication in neuronal networks and collective electrical activity. Michele Giugliano I-6 I.2. Neuronal Physiology I.2.1 Levels of Organization and Cellular Physiology The function of the nervous system can be examined at a number of levels of organization (see fig. I.2) and in such a perspective, a highly interdisciplinary approach is required. For instance, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology investigate the properties of molecules that perform tasks important for neuronal function (e.g. the membrane ionic-permeability, the ligand-receptor dynamics, etc.). Physiology studies the characteristics of individual neurons (e.g. the features of signal propagation and attenuation of neuritic branch points, etc.) as well as of collections of cells that are functionally related (e.g. reflex arcs, chemical and electric synaptic interactions, etc.). Behavioral Psychology explores patterns of behavior and its modification-learning in experimental animals ranging from lower invertebrates to humans. Computational Neuroscience and Bioengineering attempt to put it all together, to model higher brain functions in terms of the known properties of molecules, cells, or collections of cells. Throughout the present thesis, major emphasis will be given to signaling between erve cells (i.e. inter-cellular information transfer). This kind of cell communication is essential for an organism to sen e information about its environment, to import this information into its brain where it can be processed, and to generate an appropriate behavioral response (L vitan and Kaczmarek, 1997).