MODELING THE LEECH HEARTBEAT ELEMENTAL OSCILLATOR .2. EXPLORING THE PARAMETER SPACE

In the previous paper, we described a model of the elemental heartbeat oscillator in the leech. Here, the parameters of our model are explor ed around the baseline canonical model. The maximal conductances of th e currents and the reversal potential of the leak current are varied t o reveal the effects of individual currents and the interaction betwee n synaptic and intrinsic currents in the model. The model produces two distinct modes of oscillation as the parameters are varied, S-mode an d G-mode. These two modes are defined, their origin is identified, and the parameter space is mapped into S-mode and G-mode oscillation and no oscillation, Finally, we will make predictions for how the period c an be modulated in heart interneurons.