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Modeling electromagnetic fields detectability in a HH-like neuronal system: stochastic resonance and window behavior

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Abstract

Noise has already been shown to play a constructive role in neuronal processing and reliability, according to stochastic resonance (SR). Here another issue is addressed, concerning noise role in the detectability of an exogenous signal, here representing an electromagnetic (EM) field. A Hodgkin–Huxley like neuronal model describing a myelinated nerve fiber is proposed and validated, excited with a suprathreshold stimulation. EM field is introduced as an additive voltage input and its detectability in neuronal response is evaluated in terms of the output signal-to-noise ratio. Noise intensities maximizing spiking activity coherence with the exogenous EM signal are clearly shown, indicating a stochastic resonant behavior, strictly connected to the model frequency sensitivity. In this study SR exhibits a window of occurrence in the values of field frequency and intensity, which is a kind of effect long reported in bioelectromagnetic experimental studies. The spatial distribution of the modeled structure also allows to investigate possible effects on action potentials saltatory propagation, which results to be reliable and robust over the presence of an exogenous EM field and biological noise. The proposed approach can be seen as assessing biophysical bases of medical applications funded on electric and magnetic stimulation where the role of noise as a cooperative factor has recently gained growing attention.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. ICEmB at Department of Electronic Engineering, “La Sapienza” University of Rome, 00184, Rome, Italy

    Matteo Giannì, Micaela Liberti, Francesca Apollonio & Guglielmo D’Inzeo

Authors
  1. Matteo Giannì
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  2. Micaela Liberti
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  3. Francesca Apollonio
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  4. Guglielmo D’Inzeo
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Correspondence to Matteo Giannì.

Additional information

This work investigates the role of noise as a cooperative factor for the detection of an exogenous electromagnetic field in a compartimental model of a myelinated nerve fiber. The occurrence of stochastic resonance is discussed in relation to neuronal frequency sensitivity.

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Giannì, M., Liberti, M., Apollonio, F. et al. Modeling electromagnetic fields detectability in a HH-like neuronal system: stochastic resonance and window behavior. Biol Cybern 94, 118–127 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00422-005-0029-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00422-005-0029-5

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