Modelling of the enteric nervous system as a planar neural network

A mathematical model of the enteric nervous system as a planar neural network is presented. The network is composed of excitatory (cholinergic) and inhibitory (adrenergic) S-type neurones interconnected by polysynaptic channels. The synaptic zones are modelled as a three-compartment open pharmacokinetic system, i.e., presynaptic terminal, synaptic cleft and post-synaptic membrane. All the chemical reactions of transformation of the neurotransmitters within them are described by first order Michaelis-Menten kinetics. The electrical impulse propagation along the channels and in the vicinity of the nerve terminal is described by the modified Hodgkin-Huxley equations. The results of numerical simulation of the excitation wave propagation within the neural network under normal and pathological conditions are presented.