Gap junctions and excitation patterns in continuum models of islets

Abstract

We extend the development of homogenized models for excitable tissues coupled through "doughball" gap junctions. The analysis admits non- linear Fickian fluxes in rather general ways and includes, in particular, calcium- gated conductance. The theory is motivated by an attempt to understand wave propagation and failure observed in the pancreatic islets of Langerhans. We re- examine, numerically, the role that gap junctional strength is generally thought to play in pattern formation in continuum models of islets.