Temperature Mediated Transitions in Neuronal Activity

Temperature fluctuations are known to alter biochemical reaction rates, therefore affecting the functional structure of complex cells including neurons. Considering that living organisms are subject not only to daily fluctuations in temperature, but also to overall temperature increase due to climate change, the way neuronal systems respond to temperature may be decisive for the survival of many species. Here we present a mathematical model developed for studying the influence of temperature on neuronal behavior. Our numerical simulations show that increase in temperature within certain ranges also increase neuronal activity, in this case manifested as higher firing rates with shortening of action potential duration. We also find that increased temperatures reduce chaotic transitions between tonic and bursting neuronal regimes. Transitions of this nature have been shown to be of relevance in a number of healthy and pathological neuronal systems.