Gap‐junction coupling in a computational model of the hypoglossal motor nucleus

Hypoglossal motoneurons (HMs) innervate the tongue muscles and play an important role in the maintenance of upper airway patency. Various studies have focused on investigating the biophysical properties of individual HMs, and recent work from our laboratory has focused on developing a series of mathematical HM models that accurately simulate the spiking behaviors and electrophysiological properties recorded experimentally in single HMs. As part of our HM modeling efforts, we have developed a computational model of a large‐scale network of HMs that simulates the entire hypoglossal motor nucleus (nXII) of the rat (approximately 1700 neurons). The HMs are connected with each other through gap junctions, and we analyze different aspects of their coupling mechanisms. Among other results, we noticed the emergence of different firing groups in a rather homogenous population of HMs. We also examined the network with less homogenous HMs composed of slight differences in their biophysical properties, and created a series of networks with different connectivity topologies. Finally, we analyzed the synchrony of our (nXII) model via numerous computer simulations. Supported by HL63175 and NS049310