Figure 1. Model of activity-dependent network development.
Neuronal wiring strategies may involve expansion of neurite fields and migration towards other neurons to increase connectivity modeled as neurite field overlap. (A) Transfer function of membrane depolarization between resting and maximal potential to firing rates. Dotted line: target firing rate. (B) Neurite growth (orange) and migration (green) were modulated as a function of [Ca2+]i that corresponded to average firing rates. Neurites grew while the firing rate (corresponding to long-term average Ca2+ influx) was below target and were pruned when above it. Migration rate decreased as neurons approached the target firing rate (dotted line). (C) The area of neurite field overlap, corresponding to connectivity in the model, can be increased by neurite outgrowth and neuronal migration towards neighboring neurons (D).