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Cited by 2,285Neural dynamics and brain functionNeuroscience and Neuropharmacology ResearchIon channel regulation and function

The Intrinsic Electrophysiological Properties of Mammalian Neurons: Insights into Central Nervous System Function

Llinás, Rodolfo R.·1988·Science
DOI 10.1126/science.3059497
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Abstract

This article reviews the electroresponsive properties of single neurons in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS). In some of these cells the ionic conductances responsible for their excitability also endow them with autorhythmic electrical oscillatory properties. Chemical or electrical synaptic contacts between these neurons often result in network oscillations. In such networks, autorhythmic neurons may act as true oscillators (as pacemakers) or as resonators (responding preferentially to certain firing frequencies). Oscillations and resonance in the CNS are proposed to have diverse functional roles, such as (i) determining global functional states (for example, sleep-wakefulness or attention), (ii) timing in motor coordination, and (iii) specifying connectivity during development. Also, oscillation, especially in the thalamo-cortical circuits, may be related to certain neurological and psychiatric disorders. This review proposes that the autorhythmic electrical properties of central neurons and their connectivity form the basis for an intrinsic functional coordinate system that provides internal context to sensory input.

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Crossref · 10.1126/science.3059497

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  • The brain is active even in the absence of task, primarily driven by internal dynamics, with external events modulating rather than determining the activity of the system.

    “This alternative perspective suggests that the brain is active even in the absence of task, primarily driven by internal dynamics, with external events modulating rather than determining the activity of the system (24)(25)(26)(27)(28).”

    From Spontaneous neuronal activity distinguishes human dorsal and ventral attention systems (2006) · cites this paper as [24]

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Authors
Llinás, R. R.
Affiliations
Department of Physiology and Biophysics, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY 10016.
Venue
Science
Publisher
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Published
1988-12-23
Volume
242
Issue
4886
Pages
1654-1664
ISSN
  • 0036-8075 (ISSN-L)
  • 1095-9203
DOI
10.1126/science.3059497
OpenAlex
W2079173805
Cited by
2,285
References
110
Citations by year
2026: 20 · 2025: 27 · 2024: 26 · 2023: 31 · 2022: 45 · 2021: 49 · 2020: 31 · 2019: 60 · 2018: 42 · 2017: 35 · 2016: 38 · 2015: 41 · 2014: 47 · 2013: 54 · 2012: 62
FWCI
6.95
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Science (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neural dynamics and brain function
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Ion channel regulation and function
Keywords
neuronal excitability, ionic conductance, electrical oscillations, cardiac pacemaker, neuronal resonance, network oscillations, chemical synapses, electrical synapses, sleep-wake states, attention, motor coordination, thalamocortical circuits, neuropsychiatric disorders, central nervous system
MeSH terms
Animals, Brain, Cell Membrane, Central Nervous System, Electric Conductivity, Electrophysiology, Ions, Neurons

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