The effect of feedback inhibition on throughput properties of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus

The effect of feedback inhibition from thalamic reticular cells on retinogeniculate transmission by thalamocortical neurons of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus is analyzed using a minimal integrate-and-fire-or-burst network model. Potassium leakage conductances control the neuromodulatory state of the network and eliminate rhythmic bursting in the presence of spontaneous input. During oscillatory full-field stimulation, feedback inhibition from thalamic reticular neurons leads to thalamocortical relay neuron burst responses. Depending on average input rate, contrast level, and temporal frequency of modulation, the response of the aroused network may or may not be phase-locked to the visual stimulus.