Investigating Rectification in Gap Junctions within the Antennal Lobe of the Insect Neuropil: A Computational Model

Abstract

Abstract In insects, the antennal lobe (AL) serves as the primary processing center for olfactory signals, housing a complex network of neurons that analyze and integrate olfactory information. Gap junctions, an integral part of the AL neural network, have been shown to play a significant role in processing and transmitting olfactory information. However, their specific function within the AL system remains not fully understood. To bridge this knowledge gap, this study aims to investigate the role of gap junctions in the AL circuitry using experimental and computational methods. The focus is on developing a computational model of the gap junctions between local neurons and projection neurons within the AL. By employing a biologically accurate model to mimic the behavior of the AL neural network, the researchers aim to explore the impact of gap junctions on the processing and transmission of olfactory information. The study's findings highlight the critical role of gap junctions in synchronizing the activity of neurons within the AL circuitry. The computational model serves as a valuable framework for understanding the function of these junctions in the AL network and could potentially be applied to evaluate their impact on olfactory processing in other insects.