A Mathematical Model of the Collective Behaviour of Embryionic Cortical Neurons Cultured in Vitro

Coupling planar microelectrode arrays to populations of neurons cultured in vitro allows the researcher to record / stimulate for a long period of time signals from several units in a network. This represents a new framework for experiments expressly dealing with the collective behaviour displayed by networks of neurons under various chemical physical conditions. The availability of multisite electrophysiological signals recorded under well described experimental conditions offers the opportunity to develop detailed biophysical models of specific networks of neurons. The resulting computer simulations can then be used to interpret the experimental data in terms of collective behaviour and elementary neurocomputional rules.