Computer Simulations of Neuronal Signal Transduction: The Role of Nonlinear Dynamics and Noise

Nonlinear ionic interactions at the nerve cell membrane can account for oscillating membrane potentials and the generation of periodic neuronal impulse activity. In combination with noise, external modulation of the endogenous oscillations allows for continuous transitions between a variety of impulse patterns. Such "noisy oscillators" afford, thereby, an important mechanism of neuronal encoding as is demonstrated here with experimental data from peripheral cold receptors and corresponding computer simulations.