Studying synchronization of neural oscillators through NMDA-AMPA receptor interactions

Hamid Mofidi and Yangyang Wang

Chaos, Solitons & Fractals, 2026, vol. 202, issue P1

Abstract: This study investigates how NMDA and AMPA receptors influence synchronization in neural oscillators modeled by coupled Morris–Lecar systems. By analyzing the interplay between receptor kinetics, synaptic coupling strengths, and voltage-dependent magnesium block, we identify the mechanisms that govern neural synchronization. We show that fast AMPAR kinetics yield perfect synchrony at substantially lower coupling than NMDARs, which produce only near-synchrony even when Mg2+ block is absent. To resolve subtle regimes, we pair a time-domain mean phase difference (MPD) with the phase-locking value (PLV) and overlay bifurcation continuations (LP/HB/PD), exposing boundaries that PLV alone can miss. Although NMDARs sustain prolonged conductance, their slow decay and Mg2+ dependence blur spike timing and limit precise locking. These results provide a quantitative, mechanism-based account of glutamatergic control of synchrony and suggest experimentally testable predictions relevant to coordination deficits in disorders such as schizophrenia.

Keywords: Neural synchronization; NMDA receptors; AMPA receptors; Morris-Lecar model; Bifurcation analysis; Phase-locking value (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:chsofr:v:202:y:2026:i:p1:s0960077925014924

DOI: 10.1016/j.chaos.2025.117479

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