Analysis and biophysical interpretation of bistable behaviour in thalamocortical neurons

Thalamocortical neurons display a wide spectrum of activity patterns that are the expressions of the non-linear interactions between the various voltage-gated ion channels. Here, we show how bistable behaviour can emerge in these neurons, and how it is brought about by the steady-state residual (“window”) component of I T, the low-threshold Ca 2+ current. In particular, we present results that describe the dependence of bistability on two system parameters: the injected current and the leakage conductance. In addition, we provide a biophysical interpretation of these results by means of the properties of the electrical circuit representing the neuron membrane.