Stochastic nonlinear dynamics of electrosensory system of paddlefish

The talk is devoted to study of electrosensory system of paddlefish. We first characterize spontaneous oscillatory properties of electroreceptors. We show that a single electroreceptor is a complex system composed from two distinct stochastic self-sustained oscillators. The coupling of these oscillators results in specific quasiperiodic firing pattern of electroreceptor afferents (sensory neurons). Application of periodic electric stimuli shows the phenomenon of synchronization, while stimulation with noise reveals noise-induced transitions from tonic to bursting behavior.