Retinal Waves Are Governed by Collective Network Properties

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.19-09-03580.1999
• Publication Date: 2018-04-03T12:45:11Z
• Authors: Daniel A. Butts; Marla B. Feller; Carla J. Shatz; Daniel S. Rokhsar
• Keywords: Retinal waves

Propagating neural activity in the developing mammalian retina is required for normal patterning of retinothalamic connections. This exhibits a complex spatiotemporal pattern initiation, propagation, and termination. Here, we discuss behavior model using combination simulation analytic calculation. Our produces spatially temporally restricted waves without requiring inhibition, consistent with early depolarizing action neurotransmitters retina. We find that highly correlated, regular, occurs over range network parameters; this ensures such patterns can be produced robustly by immature networks which synaptic transmission individual neurons may unreliable. Wider variation these parameters, however, results several different regimes wave behavior. also present evidence properties are locally determined single variable, fraction recruitable (i.e., nonrefractory) cells within dendritic field retinal neuron. From perspective, given local area’s ability to support wide propagation velocities—as observed experiment—reflects variability state excitability area. prediction supported whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings, measure significant wave-to-wave amount input cell receives when it participates wave. approach describing provides unique insight into how organization circuit lead generation correlated patterns.