Is neural firing frequency an informational carrier in neural systems?

In this paper, we analyze the dynamics of isolated double feedback neural unit (DFNU) and its networks. An essential emphasis of the analysis is on use of the DFNU's simple formulations that can provide quantitative analytic results. Comparing dynamics of Hodgkin-Huxley model to that of DFNUs, it is shown that dynamics of DFNU is also physiologically plausible. The analytic results suggest that a direct coding of neural information on firing frequency may be difficult due to sensitivity to noisy inputs especially for low-frequency firings. On the other hand, high-frequency firings are appropriate for a neural informational carrier due to the reliability and robustness to noisy inputs. From simulation studies, it is also demonstrated that use of noisy inputs can enhance the dynamics of neural performances..