In this paper, the effects of autapse, a kind of
synapse formed between the axon or soma of a neuron and its own dendrite, on
the transmission of weak signal are investigated in scale-free neuronal
networks. In the study, we consider that each neuron has an autapse modelled as
chemical synapse. Then, a weak signal that is thought to carry information or
an unwanted activity such as virus is applied to all neurons in the network. It
is seen that the autapse with its small conductance values can slightly
increases the transmission of weak signal across the network when the autaptic
time delay is equal to the intrinsic oscillation period of the Hodgkin-Huxley
neuron. Interestingly, when the autaptic time delay becomes equal to half of
this intrinsic period or its integer multiples the autapse can prominently
blocks the weak signal transmission. Also, as the autaptic conductance is
increased the weak signal transmission is completely impeded by the autapse
with its proper auatptic time delays. One consider that the weak signal is an
unwanted or virius threatening the whole network, this autaptic mechanism is an
efficient way to protect the network from attacks.
Journal Section | Articles |
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Authors | |
Publication Date | March 27, 2017 |
Published in Issue | Year 2017 Volume: 17 Issue: 1 |