Error correction and fast detectors implemented by ultrafast neuronal plasticity.

We experimentally show that the neuron functions as a precise time integrator, where the accumulated changes in neuronal response latencies, under complex and random stimulation patterns, are solely a function of a global quantity, the average time lag between stimulations. In contrast, momentary leaps in the neuronal response latency follow trends of consecutive stimulations, indicating ultrafast neuronal plasticity. On a circuit level, this ultrafast neuronal plasticity phenomenon implements error-correction mechanisms and fast detectors for misplaced stimulations. Additionally, at moderate (high) stimulation rates this phenomenon destabilizes (stabilizes) a periodic neuronal activity disrupted by misplaced stimulations.