Impact of Poisson synaptic inputs with a changing rate on weak-signal processing

We explore the response of a single Hodgkin-Huxley neuron to a local field potential input, which is modeled as a subthreshold harmonic signal, plus synaptic inputs from independent Poisson processes. The synaptic input rate is periodically modulated with the same frequency as the signal. The neural behavior depends remarkably on the signal frequency. The neuron is more sensitive to the signals with frequencies ranging from 30 to 65 Hz and can produce regular output spikes with a low variability. Increasing the mean synaptic input rate can improve the detection of the subthreshold signal. These results further verify that noise can play a constructive role in signal processing of neurons.