Abstract
A truth table definition for neural inhibition is used to develop a model for stimulus specificity in a sensory system. An example from the mammalian visual system, that of orientation selectivity in visual cortex, is worked out in detail. Using the assumption that logical processing of signals may take place in a nerve cell's dendritic tree, a digital circuit is transformed into a neural model. An important feature of the model is an inhibitory neuron, termed an M-cell, which by its actions confers response specificity on neighboring principal cells. The M-cell is shown to have several properties in common with basket cells seen in cerebellar, hippocampal and cerebral cortex.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Anderson,P.: Organization of hippocampal neurons and their interconnections. In: The Hippocampus, Vol. I: Structure and function, pp. 155–176, Isaacson, R. L., Pribram, K. H., eds. New York: Plenum Press 1975
Bishop,P.O., Coombs,J.S., Henry, G.H.: Receptive fields of simple cells in the cat's striate cortex. J. Physiol. 231, 31–60 (1973)
Biakemore,C., Tobin,E.A.: Lateral inhibition between orientation detectors in the cat;s visual cortex. Exp. Brain Res. 15, 439–440 (1972)
Ramon-y-Cajal,S.: Histologie du système nerveux de l'homme et des vertebrates. Paris: A. Maloine 1909–1911
Colonnier,M.L.: The structural design of the neocortex. In: Brain and conscious experience, pp. 1–23, Eccles, J. C. ed. Berlin-Heidelberg-New York: Springer 1966
Creutzfeldt,O.D., Kuhnt,U., Benevento,L.A.: An intracellular analysis of visual cortical neurons responses to moving stimuli: Responses in a co-operative neuronal network. Exp. Brain Res. 21, 251–274 (1974)
Curtis,D.R., Duggan,A.W., Felix,D., Johnston,G.A.R.: GABA, bicuculline and central inhibition. Nature (Lond.) 226, 1222–1224 (1970)
Daniels,J.D., Pettigrew,J.D.: A study of inhibitory antagonism in cat visual cortex. Brain Res. 93, 41–62 (1975)
Daniels,J.D., Pettigrew,J.D.: Development of neuronal responses in the visual system of cats. In: Neuronal and behavioral specificity, pp. 195–232 New York: Academic Press 1976
Duffy,F.H., Snodgrass,J.L., Burchfiel,J.L., Conway,J.L.: Bicuculline reversal of deprivation amblyopia in the cat. Nature 260, 256–257 (1976)
Eccles,J.C.: The inhibitory pathways of the central nervous system. Springfield: Thomas 1969
Eccles,J.C.: Organization of the cerebellum as a computer: Patterns in space and time. J. Physiol. 229, 1–33 (1973)
Eccles,J.C., Ito,M., Szentagothai,J.: The cerebellum as a neuronal machine. Berlin-Heidelberg-New York: Springer 1967
Garey,L.J., Powell,T.P.S.: An experimental study of the termination of the lateral geniculo-cortical pathway in the cat and monkey. Proc. Roy. Soc. Lond. (B) 179, 41–63 (1971)
Gould,H.J., Hall,W.C., Ebner,F.F.: Connection of the visual cortex in the hedgehog (Paraechinus hypomelas). I. Thalmocortical projections. Submitted for publication (1977)
Grossberg,S.: The development of feature detectors in the visual cortex with application to learning and reaction-diffusion systems. Biol. Cybernetics 21, 145–159 (1976)
Harrison,M.A.: Introduction to switching and automata theory. New York: MyGraw-Hill 1965
Hartline,H.K., Ratliff,E.: Inhibitory interaction of receptor units in the eye of Limulus. J. Gen. Physiol. 40, 357–376 (1957)
Hubel,D.H., Wiesel,T.N.: Receptive fields, binocular interaction and functional architecture in the cat's visual cortex. J. Physiol. (Lond.) 160, 106–154 (1962)
Hubel,D.H., Wiesel,T.N.: Shape and arrangement of columns in the cat's striate cortex. J. Physiol. (Lond.) 165, 559–568 (1963)
Ito,M.: Roles of GABA neurons in integrated functions of the vertebrale CNS. In: GABA in nervous system function, pp. 427–448. Roberts, E., Chase, T. N., Tower, D. B. eds. New York, Rowen Press 1976
Katz,B.:Nerve, muscle, and synapse, p. 121. New York: McGraw-Hill 1966
Kelly,J.P., Van Essen,D.C.: Cell structure and function in the visual cortex of the cat. J. Physiol. (Lond.) 238, 515–547 (1974)
Killackey,H.P., Ebner,F.F.: Two different types of thalmocortical projections to a single cortical area in mammals. Brain Behav. Evol. 6, 141–169 (1972)
Llinas,R., Hillman,D.E.: Physiological and morphological organization of the cerebellar circuits in various vertebrates. In: Neurobiology of cerebellar evolution and development, pp. 43–73, Llinas, R., ed. Chicago: American Medical Association 1969
von der Malsburg,C.: Self-organization of orientation sensitive cells in the striate cortex. Biol. Cybernetics 14, 85–100 (1973)
McCulloch,W.S., Pitts,W.H.: A logical calculus of the ideas immanent in nervous activity. Bull. Math. Biophys. 5, 115–133 (1943)
Marin-Padilla,M.: Origin of the pericellular baskets of the pyramidal cells of the human motor cortex. Brain Res. 14, 633–646 (1969)
Marr,D.: A theory for cerebellar cortex. J. Physiol. 202, 437–470 (1969)
Marr,D.: A theory for cerebral neocortex. Proc. Roy. Soc. Lond. B. 176, 161–234 (1970)
Marr,D.: Simple memory: A theory for archicortex. Phil. Trans. Roy. Soc. 262, 23–81 (1971)
Minsky,M.: Computation: finite and infinite machines. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall 1967
Motorola McMOS Handbook, Motorola Corp. (1974)
Muroga,S.: Threshold logic and its applications. New York: Wiley (1971)
Nass,M.N., Cooper,L.N.: A theory for the development of feature detecting cells in visual cortex. Biol. Cybernetics 19, 1–18 (1975)
Palkovits,M., Magyar,R., Szentagothai,J.: Quantitative histological analysis of the cerebellar cortex in the cat. I. Number and arrangement in space of the Purkinje cells. Brain Res. 32, 1–14 (1971a)
Palkovits,M., Magyar,P., Szentagothai,J.: Quantitative histological analysis of the cerebellar cortex in the cat. III. Structural organization of the molecular layer. Brain Res. 34, 1–18 (1971b)
Perez,R., Glass,L., Shlaer,R.: Development of specificity in the cat visual cortex. J. Math. Biol. 1, 275–288 (1975)
Roberts,E., Chase,T.N., Tower,D.B., Eds.: GABA in nervous system function. New York: Raven Press 1976
Rose,D., Blakemore,C.: An analysis of orientation selectivity in the cat's visual cortex. Exp. Brain Res. 20, 1–17 (1974)
Shepard,G.M.: The synaptic organization of the brain. New York: Oxford University Press 1973
Sillito,A.M.: The effectiveness of bicuculline as an antagonist of GABA and visually evoked inhibition in the cat's striate cortex. J. Physiol. 250, 287–303 (1975a)
Sillito,A.M.: The contribution of inhibitory mechanisms to the receptive field properties of neurons in the cat's striate cortex. J. Physiol. 250, 304–330 (1975a)
Stone,J.: Morphology and physiology of the geniculocortical synapse in the cat: the question of parallel input. Invest. Opthal. 11, 338–346 (1972)
Wood,J.G., McLaughlin,B.J., Vaughn,J.E.: Immunocytochemical localization of GAD in electron microscopic preparations of rodent CNS. In: GABA in nervons system function, pp. 133–148, Roberts, E., Chase, T., Tower, D., eds. New York: Raven Press 1976
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Daniels, J.D. M-cells: A logic circuit model to account for some features of CNS inhibition. Biol. Cybernetics 29, 1–9 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00365230
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00365230