A two-dimensional population density approach to modeling the dLGN/PGN network

The interaction of two populations of integrate-and-fire-or-burst neurons representing thalamocortical cells from the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) and thalamic reticular cells from the perigeniculate nucleus (PGN) is studied here using a population density approach. A two-dimensional probability density function that evolves according to a time-dependent advection-reaction equation gives the distribution of cells in each population over the membrane potential ðvÞ and de-inactivation level ðhÞ of the low-threshold Ca2þ current IT. The response of the dLGN/PGN network is studied for optic tract stimulation protocols of different amplitude, duty cycle, and frequency. r 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.