Temporally asymmetric Hebbian learning and neuronal response variability
Recent experimental data have characterized a form of long-term synaptic modification that depends on the relative timing of pre- and post-synaptic action potentials. Modeling studies indicate that this rule can automatically adjust excitatory synaptic strengths so that the post-synaptic neuron receives roughly equal amount of excitation and inhibition and as a consequence fires irregular spike trains as observed in vivo. This rule also induces competition between different inputs and strengthens groups of synapes that are correlated over short time periods.
hebbian learning variability competition spike timing balanced excitation