Modeling the bursting behavior of the Hodgkin-Huxley neurons using genetic algorithm based parameter search

Abstract

The Hodgkin-Huxley (HH) model is a widely used biophysically meaningful model that can simulate the action potentials in the nerve axons. It is mainly used to simulate the type 2 behavior of the axon firing. However other types of neuron spiking and bursting have been observed in the literature. This work demonstrates the novelty of showing the optimization of the HH model parameters to simulate neuron bursting behavior. The results of the study demonstrates that it is possible to extend the HH model beyond its intended type 2 behavior and can be modified to simulate more complex neuron firing patterns including neuron bursting. The optimized HH model was able to generate bursting patterns corresponding to the two target bursting patterns used in this study with error values $ < 18\%$ for Phasic bursting and $ < 6\%$ for Tonic bursting. This work shows by expanding the range of gating variables ($\mathrm {m}, \mathrm {n}$ and h) beyond the original model range of 0 to 1 can improve the HH model to simulate neuron bursting.