A Model of the Effects of Applied Electric Fields on Neuronal Synchronization

Abstract

We examine the effects of applied electric fields on neuronal synchronization. Two-compartment model neurons were synaptically coupled and embedded within a resistive array, thus allowing the neurons to interact both chemically and electrically. In addition, an external electric field was imposed on the array. The effects of this field were found to be nontrivial, giving rise to domains of synchrony and asynchrony as a function of the heterogeneity among the neurons. A simple phase oscillator reduction was successful in qualitatively reproducing these domains. The findings form several readily testable experimental predictions, and the model can be extended to a larger scale in which the effects of electric fields on seizure activity may be simulated.

Switching between gamma and theta: Dynamic network control using subthreshold electric fields

“…On the experimental side, we have an incomplete understanding regarding how electric field effects on cellular polarization profiles depend upon an individual neuron's morphology and ionic channel composition. Furthermore, embedding this model within an appropriately resistive network reflective of tissue impedance [12] is important to more realistically model electric field application and the field interaction between neurons.…”

Studies of stimulus parameters for seizure disruption using neural network simulations

“…Recent efforts to adapt network models to exhibit more realistic electrophysiologic behaviour range from those with few adjustable parameters and compartments (Park et al 2005;Izhikevich 2003), to elaborate computationally intensive efforts (Bower and Beeman 1998;Howell et al 2000;Hines and Carnevale 1997;Markram 2006). To the best of knowledge, this is the first time a dynamically realistic cortical simulation has been used to examine the effects of external stimulation in a reduced one compartment format.…”

Low-intensity electric fields induce two distinct response components in neocortical neuronal populations

“…A subthreshold external field can polarize neurons in a compartment-specific fashion as confirmed in both intracellular recordings (Chan et al 1988;Delgado-Lezama et al 1999;Jefferys 1981;Park et al 2005;Radman et al 2009) and VSD imaging (Akiyama et al 2011;Bikson et al 2004) in the three-layered hippocampus. The pyramidal neurons in layer V are large with their apical dendrites extending all the way into layer I (Peters 1993).…”

“…Alternating fields elevate the firing probability only when the field is in its positive phase, resulting in coherent increases of activity across the network (Deans et al 2007;Francis et al 2003;Park et al 2005). The coherent increase of firing in excitatory cells may be critical for the generation of the active component, as it can lead to temporal summation across the highly divergent and convergent cortical network.…”