Autapse-induced multiple coherence resonance in single neurons and neuronal networks

Area of Science:

• Computational Neuroscience
• Neuroscience
• Complex Systems

Background:

• Autapses, neuronal self-connections, play a role in neural dynamics.
• Understanding neuronal firing regularity and network synchronization is crucial for neuroscience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of electrical and chemical autapses on neuronal firing regularity.
• To examine the influence of autapses on spatial synchronization in neuronal networks.
• To analyze the role of autaptic time delay in inducing resonance and synchronization.

Main Methods:

• Simulations of single stochastic Hodgkin-Huxley neurons.
• Modeling of scale-free neuronal networks with electrical and chemical autapses.
• Analysis of temporal coherence, firing regularity, and spatial synchronization.

Main Results:

• Autaptic time delay induces multiple coherence resonance in single neurons and networks.
• Electrical autapses show an optimal channel noise intensity for resonance; chemical autapses are less sensitive.
• Multiple coherence resonance and synchronization transitions in networks occur at similar delay lengths and specific coupling strengths.

Conclusions:

• Autapses significantly influence neuronal dynamics, affecting both individual neuron firing and network synchronization.
• Autaptic time delay is a critical factor in generating resonance and synchronization phenomena.
• The observed phenomena are robust and can occur independently of the network's average degree.