Mean-field approximation for networks with synchrony-driven adaptive coupling

Synaptic plasticity is a key component of neuronal dynamics, describing the process by which the connections between neurons change in response to experiences. In this study, we extend a network model of \(\theta\)-neuron oscillators to include a realistic form of adaptive plasticity. In place of the less tractable spike-timing-dependent plasticity, we employ recently validated phase-difference-dependent plasticity rules, which adjust coupling strengths based on the relative phases of \(\theta\)-neuron oscillators. We investigate two approaches for implementing this plasticity: pairwise coupling strength updates and global coupling strength updates. A mean-field approximation of the system is derived and we investigate its validity through comparison with the \(\theta\)-neuron simulations across various stability states. The synchrony of the system is examined using the Kuramoto order parameter. A bifurcation analysis, by means of numerical continuation and the calculation of maximal Lyapunov exponents, reveals interesting phenomena, including bistability and evidence of period-doubling and boundary crisis routes to chaos, that would otherwise not exist in the absence of adaptive coupling.