Emergent central pattern generator behavior in gap-junction-coupled Hodgkin-Huxley style neuron model.

Kyle G. Horn,Irene C. Solomon,Heraldo Memelli

doi:10.1155/2012/173910

Kyle G. Horn, Irene C. Solomon + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/173910

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Abstract

Most models of central pattern generators (CPGs) involve two distinct nuclei mutually inhibiting one another via synapses. Here, we present a single-nucleus model of biologically realistic Hodgkin-Huxley neurons with random gap junction coupling. Despite no explicit division of neurons into two groups, we observe a spontaneous division of neurons into two distinct firing groups. In addition, we also demonstrate this phenomenon in a simplified version of the model, highlighting the importance of afterhyperpolarization currents (I AHP) to CPGs utilizing gap junction coupling. The properties of these CPGs also appear sensitive to gap junction conductance, probability of gap junction coupling between cells, topology of gap junction coupling, and, to a lesser extent, input current into our simulated nucleus.

Highlights

Central pattern generators (CPGs) correspond to neural regions that spontaneously generate oscillatory behavior in the absence of patterned input
Despite no explicit division of neurons into two groups, we observe a spontaneous division of neurons into two distinct firing groups. We demonstrate this phenomenon in a simplified version of the model, highlighting the importance of afterhyperpolarization currents (IAHP) to central pattern generators (CPGs) utilizing gap junction coupling
Hard-wired reciprocal synaptic inhibition may be easy to identify physiologically, we propose that this same style of inhibition can spontaneously form in a single pool of gap-junction-coupled neurons, mutually inhibiting one another via their slow afterhyperpolarization

Summary

Introduction

Central pattern generators (CPGs) correspond to neural regions that spontaneously generate oscillatory behavior in the absence of patterned input In both invertebrates and vertebrates, they appear to play a critical role in the formation of repeated oscillatory behaviors, including activities such as walking, swimming, heartbeating, and breathing [1,2,3,4]. Because of their roles in cardiac and respiratory function, CPGs may be considered vital for basic survival across much of the animal kingdom. Both the locomotor [8] and the respiratory [9, 10] systems exhibit a great deal of plasticity in the face of changing conditions and, should be viewed as dynamic rhythm generating devices

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