Using Realistic Models to Study Synaptic Integration in Cerebellar Purkinje Cells Reviews in the Neurosciences

This review presents an approach to modeling which we call "experiments in computo". The use of realistic models makes it possible to generate new predictions that can be confirmed experimentally. Several examples are given of how this approach improved our understanding of synaptic integration by the Purkinje cell active dendrite. The computer model was constructed to replicate neuronal behavior which has no direct relevance to synaptic integration: it was tuned to reproduce the response of Purkinje cells to current injection in vitro, which consists of a high frequency, regular rhythm of somatic Na+ spikes, interrupted by spontaneous dendritic Ca2+ spikes. The in vivo firing behavior of Purkinje cells is quite different as it consists of highly irregular simple spike firing only, without spontaneous dendritic Ca2+ spikes. The computer model predicted that the Purkinje cell needs to receive a continuous background inhibitory synaptic drive in addition to th