Bursting
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Bursting is a rapid signaling mode in neurons whereby clusters of two or more action potentials are emitted as a single signaling event. Burst mode is thought to be useful for signaling important events and routing information in the brain. In general, there are two types of bursting:
- Input-driven bursting, where strong excitatory inputs produce a rapid activation and burst of action potentials
- Intrinsic bursting, where voltage-gated ion channels intrinsic to the neuron convert brief suprathreshold inputs into long-lasting bursts of action potential output.
Some types of neurons are able to respond to current input by emitting an all- or non-burst response. This burst usually consists of a short phase of repeated action potentials, at a frequency of up to 350 Hz. This is followed by a prolonged refractory period. In contrast, neurons that fire tonically respond with action potentials at a rate proportional to the input current.
The subiculum is an example of a brain region where the rapid transition between bursting and single-spiking is important for routing information out of the hippocampus.
[edit] Articles
- Switching Signals in the BrainPLoS Biology, 3(6):e210, 2005 June.
- Action potential burst mode transition mechanismPLoS Biology, 3(6):e175, 2005 June.
- Significance of action potential bursting Neurochemistry International Volume 41, Issue 5, 2002
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