The influence of hubs in the structure of a neuronal network during an epileptic seizure

Author(s)

Rodrigues, Abner Cardoso ^{[1, 2]} ; Cerdeira, Hilda A. ^[3] ; Machado, Birajara Soares ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Hosp Israelita Albert Einstein, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Bioinformat Interunits Grad Program, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[3] Univ Estadual Paulista, Inst Fis Teor, Rua Pamplona 145, BR-01405 Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: European Physical Journal-Special Topics; v. 225, n. 1, p. 75-82, FEB 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 3

Abstract

In this work, we propose changes in the structure of a neuronal network with the intention to provoke strong synchronization to simulate episodes of epileptic seizure. Starting with a network of Izhikevich neurons we slowly increase the number of connections in selected nodes in a controlled way, to produce (or not) hubs. We study how these structures alter the synchronization on the spike firings interval, on individual neurons as well as on mean values, as a function of the concentration of connections for random and non-random (hubs) distribution. We also analyze how the post-ictal signal varies for the different distributions. We conclude that a network with hubs is more appropriate to represent an epileptic state. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/11973-4 - ICTP South American Institute for Fundamental Research: a regional center for theoretical physics
• Grantee: Nathan Jacob Berkovits
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants