Population bursts in a modular neural network as a mechanism for synchronized activity in KNDy neurons.
PLoS Comput Biol
; 20(7): e1011820, 2024 Jul.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39083544
ABSTRACT
The pulsatile activity of gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons (GnRH neurons) is a key factor in the regulation of reproductive hormones. This pulsatility is orchestrated by a network of neurons that release the neurotransmitters kisspeptin, neurokinin B, and dynorphin (KNDy neurons), and produce episodic bursts of activity driving the GnRH neurons. We show in this computational study that the features of coordinated KNDy neuron activity can be explained by a neural network in which connectivity among neurons is modular. That is, a network structure consisting of clusters of highly-connected neurons with sparse coupling among the clusters. This modular structure, with distinct parameters for intracluster and intercluster coupling, also yields predictions for the differential effects on synchronization of changes in the coupling strength within clusters versus between clusters.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Dynorphins
/
Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone
/
Models, Neurological
/
Nerve Net
/
Neurons
Limits:
Animals
/
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
PLoS Comput Biol
Journal subject:
BIOLOGIA
/
INFORMATICA MEDICA
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Brazil
Country of publication:
United States