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Neurons communicate via both chemical synapses (pulse coupling) and electrical synapses (diffusive coupling). Electrical coupling is less well understood, although typically assumed to synchronize neural activity. Unlike chemical synapses, electrical interactions are not restricted to spiking events -- the diverse shapes of subthreshold voltage seen in different cell types can help determine the effects. Using the theory of weakly coupled oscillators, I explore the effect of subthreshold properties on synchrony in small networks. I present results from models from several different brain regions and at varying levels of model complexity, focusing on the resonate-and-fire model, a hybrid dynamical system that combines continuous (subthreshold) and discrete (spiking) dynamics. I show that both spikes and resonant subthreshold fluctuations can jointly promote synchronization through electrical coupling, and also discuss more complex network synchrony effects that can result from the interplay of heterogeneity and network structure.

Reception follows at 4:00.