Modulation of Neuronal Firing Modes by Electric Fields in a Thermosensitive FitzHugh-Nagumo Model

TL;DR

This paper investigates how external electric fields influence neuronal firing modes in a thermosensitive FitzHugh-Nagumo model, revealing mode transitions and potential control mechanisms for neural activity.

Contribution

It introduces electric field as a new variable in the FitzHugh-Nagumo model to analyze firing mode transitions under external stimuli.

Findings

Electric fields induce transitions from spiking to bursting modes.

Neuron firing modes depend on cell radius and stimulus parameters.

External electric fields can regulate neural activity and dynamics.

Abstract

The Fitzhugh-Nagumo neuronal model is used to explore the influence of the electric field on thermosensitive neurons' dynamics. This study investigates how the electric field affects polarization modulation in cell media induced by changes in ion charge density by adding electrical field as a new variable. Driven by a voltage source acting as an external stimulus current, different firing mode responses of the proposed model are analyzed when an external electrical field is applied. Through computational analysis, the study evaluates the impact of parameters such as cell radius, stimulus voltage source amplitude, frequency, and as well as the presence of an external electric field. The results demonstrate distinct mode transitions of isolated neurons ranging from spiking to bursting, regular and chaotic oscillations. These findings suggest that the firing mode is triggered by periodic external electric fields and cell radius, with the electric field's involvement enhanced to regulate neuron activity and control the dynamics. External electric fields and stimuli play a crucial role in neuronal firing dynamics, affecting the transition between different firing modes. Understanding these effects contributes to the comprehension of neural processes and the potential manipulation of neural activity for various applications in neuroscience and biophysics.