Models of dynamical synapses and cortical development

Neural network activity is thought to be regulated through cortical development. During cortical development, the reversal potential of GABAA signaling turns from excitatory to inhibitory. However, whether the physiological switch of GABAA signaling is the only factor that impacts cortical development or if other parameters also participate still remains elusive. For example, several experimental findings indicated how the states of structural connectivity between excitatory and inhibitory neurons play an essential role in fine tuning and shaping network firing activity. Furthermore, local density of arborescence and a lateral spread length between neighboring neurons during cortical development might also contribute to scaling firing rate activity. Here, we propose a computational model approach to address neural changes (including changes in GABA, connectivity, and other parameters) during cortical development.