介观兴奋/抑制神经元网络的放电动力学行为特性研究

In this project, with the aid of numerical simulations, we apply the theory and methods of nonlinear dynamics and complex networks to investigate the neuronal dynamical behaviors of the macroscopic excitatory/inhibitory neuronal networks. We will study the stochastic resonance, synchronization, and the other firing dynamics of the macroscopic excitatory/inhibitory neuronal networks; And then we discuss the important influences of some factors on their firing dynamics, such as noise, time delay, network's clustered structure. Moreover, we focus on revealing the significant roles of E/I ratio and inhibitory neurons in regulating firing activities of the neuronal systems. Finally, we try to find out the possible reasons of brain disorders by analyzing the established neuronal dynamical models. In the neuronal systems (cerebral cortex), their clustered structural properties and the synergy between excitatory and inhibitory neurons could have great effects on the implementation of various higher cognitive functions, and they also have close relationship with various brain disorders. Therefore, the obtained results of this project have important physiological significance for us to understand the higher cognitive functions and occurred reasons of brain disorders. Moreover, this project is a cross-research of nonlinear dynamics, complex networks and neuroscience. Thus, the obtained results of this project also have important theoretical significance on the further development of these interrelated disciplines.

本项目应用非线性动力学和复杂网络的理论与方法，结合数值仿真的手段，以介观兴奋/抑制神经元网络为研究对象，研究内容主要包括：讨论介观兴奋/抑制神经元网络的随机共振、同步及其他放电动力学行为特性；阐述噪声、时滞、网络集群结构等因素对其放电动力学特性的重要影响；着重揭示E/I比例、抑制性神经元对调控神经元系统放电活动的重要作用；通过建立动力学模型，揭示脑部疾病发生的可能性原因。神经元系统（大脑皮层）的网络集群结构特性与兴奋性神经元和抑制性神经元的协同作用对其执行各种高级认知功能具有非常重要的作用，同时它们与脑部的各种疾病也有着密切联系。因此，本项目的研究结果对理解大脑高级认知功能及脑部疾病的发生原因有着重要的生理学意义。此外，本项目是非线性动力学、复杂网络与神经科学的交叉研究课题，其研究结果对推动相应学科的进一步发展也具有极其重要的理论意义。