FURI | Spring 2020

Activity-Dependent Neuroplasticity Model in Response to Applied Electrical Stimulation

This research is investigating the effect of applied electric potential on synaptic plasticity in neural networks. Applied current can activate neurons in a manner that can induce activity-dependent plasticity, i.e. changes in the neural circuit based on activity patterns. The researcher has identified synaptic parameters of a mathematical model that are likely to be affected by activity and simulated the model equations.  Work to-date has found that the general synaptic relationship was strengthened in response to neural stimulation, confirming activity dependent plasticity and creating a general model for neuroplasticity in response to applied electric stimulation.