Wave emitting and propagation induced by autapse in a forward feedback neuronal network

The electric activities of neurons can be modulated when autapses are connected to neurons. A forward feedback neuronal network in chain type is designed, which the local kinetics for each node is described by Hindmarsh-Rose neuron, and the autaptic forcing-induced wave propagation along the chain network is investigated. It is found that stable pulse can be induced by the local autaptic forcing in positive feedback type, and the wave begins to disappear when the autaptic modulation stops. It indicates that autapse excitation plays an important role in regulating the collective behaviors of neurons as a pacemaker. The sampled time series for membrane potential of the neuron driven by autapse are detected, and the rhythm predicates whether continuous pulse can be developed or propagated in the chain network. Furthermore, the emitted pulse can be blocked by artificial defects, and thus the wave propagation depends on the property of the network. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.