Synaptic modulation of endogenous neuronal oscillators.

Techniques derived from oscillator theory can be used to describe the activity of molluscan endogenous bursting neurons and some ways in which synaptic inhibition from an interneuron can modulate this pacemaker activity. The effects of exogenous synaptic inputs on the endogenous neuronal oscillator can be described by a phase response curve. On the basis of the phase response curve, more complex interactions (such as synchronization and entrainment) can be predicted.