Network study of integrated biochemical switching system. I: Connection of basic elements

As a first step to network study, a series of integrated biochemical switching systems (prototype of artificial neuronic device) was assumed based on Rosen's work and on the results of our previous studies. The effects of an excitatory stimulus on the switching properties of the proposed system were examined using computer simulations. The results can be summarized as follows: (i) the number of excited elements in sequentially connected systems is proportionally related to the value of the excitatory stimulus; (ii) when the introduction of the excitatory stimulus is too late, it can no longer be transmitted to any elements; (iii) the excitatory stimulus (signal) is amplified to a certain limit and is attenuated during propagation; (iv) by assuming several excitatory stimuli and varying their frequencies, the so-called long-term potentiation phenomenon can be observed; (v) supposing reversible interactions between two elements, a continuous switching pattern of the output is observed.