Phase and frequency locking in detailed neuron models

Phase and frequency locking are generic phenomena among coupled limit cycles. As yet, it has been shown that simple models of the neurons (such as the Hodgkin-Huxley and Morris-Lecar) are on limit-cycle solutions. The same holds for in vitro pyramidal neurons, if they are driven by constant currents. It is, however, unknown whether this also holds for detailed neuronal compartment models. In this contribution we show computationally that locking holds and is measurable in these models as well, and can persist even under substantial changes of the driving. Thus, locking among neurons could provide a mechanism for cortical information processing, in the frequency as well as in the temporal coding paradigm.