文章基本信息

标题：Analyzing the Effects of Gap Junction Blockade on Neural Synchrony via a Motoneuron Network Computational Model
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作者：Heraldo Memelli ; Kyle G. Horn ; Larry D. Wittie 等
期刊名称：Computational Intelligence and Neuroscience
印刷版ISSN：1687-5265
电子版ISSN：1687-5273
出版年度：2012
卷号：2012
DOI：10.1155/2012/575129
出版社：Hindawi Publishing Corporation
摘要：In specific regions of the central nervous system (CNS), gap junctions have been shown to participate in neuronal synchrony. Amongst the CNS regions identified, some populations of brainstem motoneurons are known to be coupled by gap junctions. The application of various gap junction blockers to these motoneuron populations, however, has led to mixed results regarding their synchronous firing behavior, with some studies reporting a decrease in synchrony while others surprisingly find an increase in synchrony. To address this discrepancy, we employ a neuronal network model of Hodgkin-Huxley-style motoneurons connected by gap junctions. Using this model, we implement a series of simulations and rigorously analyze their outcome, including the calculation of a measure of neuronal synchrony. Our simulations demonstrate that under specific conditions, uncoupling of gap junctions is capable of producing either a decrease or an increase in neuronal synchrony. Subsequently, these simulations provide mechanistic insight into these different outcomes.