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

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.

Suppression of firing activities in neuron and neurons of network induced by electromagnetic radiation

“…According to this idea, Apollonio et al [22,23] proposed a complete quantitative evaluation of the effects of electromagnetic fields on neurons. However, a recent study [24] concluded that performing a comprehensive study of the non-thermal effects of electromagnetic radiation is only possible through a multi-scale methodology.…”

Enhancement of EM Signal Detectability in a Realistic Model of Feedforward Neuronal Network

“…The exogenous EM field was introduced in the network model as an additive component over the membrane potential [12], [13]. In such an hypothesis the EM field can be represented as a voltage generator, in series with membrane capacitor and ionic conductances, as shown in Fig.1 [6].…”

“…The detectability of input EM fields by means of a suitable amount of endogenous noise has already been shown by the authors [6], on the basis of a stochastic resonant behavior in a realistic single neuron model.…”

Chinese Medicine and Integrative Approaches in the Prevention of Breast Cancer – Acupuncture Meridian, Pulsed Eletromagnetic Field Test and Chinese Food Therapy

“…The magnetic field changes were measured by a noninvasive medical device, which has been supplied on the market for over 10 years. This magnetic test, using a polarized light can detect a defect at the cellular level (Gianni & Liberti, 2006). Humans have an electromagnetic energy field, the human body is an aerial that can transmit and receive energy (William, 2002).…”