Modelling the circuitry of the cuneate nucleus

Abstract

Experimental data recorded in cat "in vivo" offer a new picture of the cuneate nucleus. Clasically definied as a simple relay station, the cuneate nucleus is currently seen as a fundamental stage in somatosensory information processing. Intracellular and extracellular recordings have revealed a complex circuitry estabished by cuneothalamic cells, interneurons and afferent fibers from the sensorimotor cortex. As a result of electrophysiological work, some circuits have been hypothesized in order to explain the data. In this paper we present a computational model designed and developed in order to test the validity of the proposed circuit in [15]. The results of the computer simulations support the predictions.