Modulation of Astrocytes on Mode Selection of Neuron Firing Driven by Electromagnetic Induction

Abstract

Both of astrocytes and electromagnetic induction are magnificent to modulate neuron firing by introducing feedback currents to membrane potential. An improved astro-neuron model considering both of the two factors is employed to investigate their different roles in modulation. The mixing mode, defined by combination of period bursting and depolarization blockage, characterizes the effect of astrocytes. Mixing mode and period bursting alternatively appear in parameter space with respect to the amplitude of feedback current on neuron from astrocyte modulation. However, magnetic flux obviously plays a role of neuron firing inhibition. It not only repels the mixing mode but also suppresses period bursting. The mixing mode becomes period bursting mode and even resting state when astrocytes are hyperexcitable. Abnormal activities of astrocytes are capable to induce depolarization blockage to compose the mixing mode together with bursting mode. But electromagnetic induction shows its strong ability of inhibition of neuron firing, which is also illustrated in the bifurcation diagram. Indeed, the combination of the two factors and appropriate choice of parameters show the great potential to control disorder of neuron firing like epilepsy.

Dynamic effect of electromagnetic induction on epileptic waveform

“…It has been shown that fluctuations in the membrane potential of neurons can have a significant impact on the distribution of electromagnetic fields, causing changes in magnetic flux and electromagnetic induction across the cell membrane [ 38 , 39 ]. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the effect of electromagnetic induction on neuronal activity in the model.…”