Models Wagging the Dog: Are Circuits Constructed with Disparate Parameters?

In a recent paper Prinz et al. (Nature Neurosci. 7, 1345-52 (2004)) have addressed the fundamental question, whether neural systems are built with a fixed blueprint of tightly controlled parameters or in a way in which properties can vary largely from one individual to another, using a database modeling approach. In this article we examine the main conclusion that neural circuits indeed are built with largely varying parameters in light of our own experimental and modeling observations. We critically discuss the experimental and theoretical evidence including the general adequacy of database approaches for questions of this kind and come to the conclusion that the last word for this fundamental question has not yet been spoken.

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2007
• Where: NECO
• Authors: Thomas Nowotny, Attila Szücs, Rafael Levi, Allen I. Selverston
• Keywords: Database Modeling Approach, Fundamental Question, NECO 2007, Paper Prinz Et