Neuronal Firing Pattern Modulation

Stephen W Jones, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA

Published online: April 2001

DOI: 10.1038/npg.els.0000174

Neurons generate diverse patterns of action potentials, depending on the intrinsic electrical properties of the neurons and on synaptic inputs from other neurons. The firing pattern of a neuron can be regulated, often by neurotransmitters acting via G protein-coupled receptors to modulate voltage-dependent ion channels.

Keywords: action potential; bursting; adaptation; ion channel; neurotransmitter

Figure 1. Schematic illustration of some possible neuronal firing patterns. Action potentials are simple vertical lines, and subthreshold changes in voltage are not shown. (a–d) Spontaneous activity, in the absence of inputs. Injection of hyperpolarizing current may cause an ‘anode break’ action potential (e) or burst (f). Depolarizing current can evoke a variety of responses (g–m).
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 References
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 Further Reading
    book Benson JA and Adams WB (1987) "The control of rhythmic neuronal firing". In: Kaczmarek LK and Levitan IB (eds) Neuromodulation, pp. 100–118. New York: Oxford University Press.
    book Hille B (1992) Ionic Channels of Excitable Membranes, 2nd edn. Sunderland, MA: Sinauer Associates.
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    Kramer RH, Levitan ES, Carrow GM and Levitan IB (1988) Modulation of a subthreshold calcium current by the neuropeptide FMRFamide in Aplysia neuron R15. Journal of Neurophysiology 60: 1728–1738.
    Levitan ES, Kramer RH and Levitan IB (1987) Augmentation of bursting pacemaker activity by egg-laying hormone in Aplysia neuron R15 is mediated by a cyclic AMP-dependent increase in  Ca2+ and  K+ currents. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA 84: 6307–6311.
    Loechner KJ and Kaczmarek LK (1989) Regulation of ion channels in Aplysia neurons by autoactive peptides and second messengers. Society of General Physiologists Series 44: 69–82.
    Steriade M (1993) Cholinergic blockage of network- and intrinsically generated slow oscillations promotes waking and REM sleep activity patterns in thalamic and cortical neurons. Progress in Brain Research 98: 345–355.
    book Strong JA and Kaczmarek LK (1987) "Potassium currents that regulate action potentials and repetitive firing". In: Kaczmarek LK and Levitan IB (eds) Neuromodulation, pp. 119–137. New York: Oxford University Press.

Related Sub-Topics:

Neurotransmitters | Action Potential
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Article Title: Neuronal Firing Pattern Modulation
 
How to Cite close
Jones, Stephen W(Apr 2001) Neuronal Firing Pattern Modulation. In: eLS. John Wiley & Sons Ltd, Chichester. http://www.els.net [doi: 10.1038/npg.els.0000174]