Three-time scale models of neurons and subthreshold oscillations

Biological neurons exhibit a wide range of ionic conductances in their soma and dendrites. These different currents are responsible for action potential generation and may also lead to complex dynamics including bursting, periodic oscillations, etc. Of a particular interest are Ca2+ conductance based on T-type Ca2+ channels, also called lowthreshold Ca2+ current, and hyperpolarization-activated cation current, Ih. These channels are common across thalamic and cortical neurons and represent one of the well known mechanisms of self-sustained burst generation. In this chapter we will discuss kinetics of these currents and their role in periodic oscillations. We further will see examples of biological neurons expressing these currents.