Abstract
Connection-strength estimation based on multi-neuron spike data enables us to estimate effective connectivity between neurons and is widely used for investigating information processing in neuronal networks. However, most previous studies have not focused on the networks which partially consist of modulator neurons. We applied connection-strength estimation to categorize neuron types from multi-neuron spike data which were recorded from cultivated neuronal networks including dopamine ones. Substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area cells obtained from rat embryos were cultivated on microelectrode array substrate. Spontaneous electrical activity was observed after 4 weeks in culture. Connection strengths were estimated at the state without antagonists and that with some antagonists. We sorted neurons into 3 neuron types which are assumed as glutamate, GABA, and dopamine ones. Some differences of the activity pattern were observed between each neuron type. These results suggest that neuron type sorting based on connection-strength estimation can be applied to estimate neurons in the networks including dopamine ones.
