Complex bifurcation structures in a Hodgkin-Huxley model of thermally sensitive neurons under periodic perturbation

Abstract

In this study, we identify an intricate class of periodic behavior, coined as "fishbone," within the chaotic dynamics induced by external periodic disturbances in a neuronal system. Alongside this structure, we observe well-known patterns such as shrimps and cockroaches, revealing the system's sensitivity to external perturbations. Notably, our work highlights the significant impact of altering biophysical parameters, showing that changes in the ionic conductance of neurons can lead to the cohesion or detachment of complex periodic structures from the primary fishbone-shaped structure. This finding underscores the role of ionic channels in shaping neuronal responses, which is relevant given their involvement in various neuronal disorders. Furthermore, our study provides insights into how external perturbations influence neuron signal processing.