Bursting

Bursting is a rapid signaling mode in neurons whereby clusters of two or more action potentials are emitted as a single signaling event. Burst mode is thought to be useful for signaling important events and routing information in the brain. In general, there are two types of bursting:
 * 1) Input-driven bursting, where strong excitatory inputs produce a rapid activation and burst of action potentials
 * 2) Intrinsic bursting, where voltage-gated ion channels intrinsic to the neuron convert brief suprathreshold inputs into long-lasting bursts of action potential output.

The subiculum is an example of a brain region where the rapid transition between bursting and single-spiking is important for routing information out of the hippocampus.

Articles

 * Switching Signals in the BrainPLoS Biology, 3(6):e210, 2005 June.
 * Action potential burst mode transition mechanismPLoS Biology, 3(6):e175, 2005 June.
 * Significance of action potential bursting Neurochemistry International Volume 41, Issue 5, 2002

People

 * Don Cooper