The effects of cyclical simulation on the axon hillock diameter of murine intracortical neurons

Abstract: Changes to the axon hillock in frequently firing neurons are known to be important predictors of early disease states. Studying this phenomenon is critical to understanding the first insult implicated in multiple neuro-degenerative disorders. To study these changes we used cyclical stimulations using micro-electrodes to the axon hillock of mouse intracortical neurons. Numerical simulation results indicate that axon hillock water potential fluctuated sinusoidally on high voltage only. Fluctuations in the amplitude and trend were caused by calcium flow and storage resistance, respectively. The change in axon hillock-stored water was proportional to the change rate in water potential. Axon hillock diameter increased with fluctuations in calcium free media; moreover, it varied slightly under low voltage conditions. Changes in axon hillock diameter were caused by changes in water potential, which was determined by subcellular gated channels, media calcium potential, and other baseline characteristics of neurons.