Characterization of dendrites as nonlinear computation devices
From the spines to the soma, signal processing in the neuron is intrinsically nonlinear. In this paper we present first results of a project whose objective is to identify/characterize dendrites as nonlinear devices in the hope that the resulting model will be of use in bio-inspired connectionist architectures. The methodology used is based on the extension of the WienerVolterra formalism to multiple inputmultiple output (MIMO) systems. The project starts by applying the method to a computer model of the Purkinje cell as a guide for the design of real neurophysiological experiments, as well as an aid for the interpretation of results.
dendrites wienervolterra nonlinear system identification