Conditions for synchronization and chaos in networks of β-cells

The insulin producing and releasing pancreatic β-cells play a key role in glucose homeostasis. The proper function of these cells is characterized by a spiking-bursting activity in their membrane potential. It is known that these cells are coupled with each other and that this coupling can induce synchronization. This fact maybe relevant in the mechanisms of blood glucose regulation. However, not much is known about conditions of synchronization, nor about the topology of real-world β-cell network. Also about the conditions for the emergence of chaotic bursting in networks of β-cells not much is known. We investigate these phenomena in terms of complex network theory as model of β-cells networks, in which synchronization and emergence of chaotic bursting occurs.