The dynamic behavior of spiral waves in stochastic Hodgkin–Huxley neuronal networks with ion channel blocks

Abstract

Chemical blocking is known to affect neural network activity. Here, we quantitatively investigate the dynamic behavior of spiral waves in stochastic Hodgkin–Huxley neuronal networks during sodium- or potassium-ion channel blockages. When the sodium-ion channels are blocked, the spiral waves first become sparse and then break. The critical factor for the transition of spiral waves (x Na) is sensitive to the channel noise. However, with the potassium-ion channel block, the spiral waves first become intensive and then form other dynamic patterns. The critical factor for the transition of spiral waves (x K) is insensitive to the channel noise. With the sodium-ion channel block, the spike frequency of a single neuron in the network is reduced, and the collective excitability of the neuronal network weakens. By blocking the potassium ion channels, the spike frequency of a single neuron in the network increases, and the collective excitability of the neuronal network is enhanced. Lastly, we found that the behavior of spiral waves is directly related to the system synchronization. This research will enhance our understanding of the evolution of spiral waves through toxins or drugs and will be helpful to find potential applications for controlling spiral waves in real neural systems.