The Effects of Negative Regulation on the Dynamical Transition in Epileptic Network

The transiting mechanism of abnormal brain functional activities, such as the epileptic seizures, has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we employ a probabilistic neural network model to investigate the impact of negative regulation, including negative connections and negative inputs, on the dynamical transition behavior of network dynamics. It is observed that negative connections significantly influence the transition behavior of the network, intensifying the oscillation of discharge probability, corresponding to uneven discharge and epileptic states. Negative inputs, within a certain range, exhibited a similar impact on the dynamic state of the network as negative connections, enhancing network oscillations and resulting in higher fragility. However, larger negative inputs can led to the disappearance of oscillations in the discharge probability, indicating a maintenance of lower fragility. We speculate that negative regulation may be an indispensable factor in the occurrence of epileptic seizures, and future research should give it due consideration.