Modelling Intra-Axonal Heterogeneity

Investigating the impact of myelination variations along a single axon on action potential (AP) conduction.

Summary

Background

• Myelination is crucial for rapid and efficient nerve signal propagation.
• Traditional models assume uniform myelination, but recent findings suggest significant variability along axons.

Materials and Methods

• We used a double-cable computational model.
• We analysed variations in internode length, myelin thickness, and periaxonal space width.
• We conducted simulations in MATLAB to observe effects on AP conduction velocity and amplitude.

Results

• Individual variations in internode length, myelin thickness, and periaxonal space width alone do not significantly impact AP properties.
• Combined variations of these parameters significantly reduce conduction velocity and peak amplitude.

Conclusion

• Incorporating intra-axonal heterogeneity into computational models is essential for accurately representing neuronal signal conduction.
• These findings have implications for understanding both normal neuronal function and demyelinating disorders.