Electronic neuron within a ganglion of a leech (Hirudo medicinalis)

Abstract

We report the construction of an electronic device that models and replaces a neuron in a midbody ganglion of the leech Hirudo medicinalis. In order to test the behavior of our device, we used a well-characterized synaptic interaction between the mechanosensory, sensitive to pressure, (P) cell and the anteropagoda (because of the action potential shape) (AP) neuron. We alternatively stimulated a P neuron and our device connected to the AP neuron, and studied the response of the latter. The number and timing of the AP spikes were the same when the electronic parameters were properly adjusted. Moreover, after changes in the depolarization of the AP cell, the responses under the stimulation of both the biological neuron and the electronic device vary in a similar manner.

A low cost, modular, and physiologically inspired electronic neuron

“…Electronic implementations of synapses vary from silicon versions that mimic the detailed dynamics 13 to more functional designs. 10,12 In our electronic version the synapse is modeled by a simple circuit ͑see Fig. 4͒.…”

“…Thus, it is possible to use real time presynaptic signals of biological neurons to stimulate the electronic neuron and/or the output signal of the electronic neuron to stimulate postsynaptic biological neurons. 11,12 In this paper, we discuss a low cost and biological inspired electronic neuron, which is capable of reproducing the opening and closing dynamics of the channels present in the membrane. The circuit is a simplified model of a neuron that captures the main properties of the action-potential generating mechanism.…”

Synchronization of Neuronal Circuits with Ring Connection on PSpice

“…In a biological experimental way, isolated neurons can be immersed into certain ionic liquid to detect the effect of external forcing from potassium, sodium, and even the leakage current [30][31][32]. On the other hand, it becomes interesting to design artificial neuronal circuit with low power consumption [33][34][35][36], and thus neuronal activity can be reproduced from the intelligent neuronal circuits. Furthermore, the development and transition of collective electric activities of neurons can be detected within the coupled neuronal circuits, and it can give some useful guidance to discern the collective electric activities in large scale network of neurons.…”

Synchronization: a tool for validating a PWL circuit that approximates the Hindmarsh-Rose neuron model

“…The main advantage of a hardware realization is its intrinsically parallel structure. Besides, hardware neuron networks can be interconnected either among them, to realize more complex networks, or with real neuron networks [14]. However, before going on, it would be desirable to have reasonable evidence that the considered HR-PWL circuits, beside accurately mimicking the behavior of an isolated HR neuron, continue to behave properly also when interconnected to form a network.…”