Delay-induced synchronization transitions in small-world neuronal networks with hybrid synapses

We study delay-induced synchronization transitions in small-world networks of bursting neurons with hybrid excitatory-inhibitory synapses. Numerical results show that transitions of the spatiotemporal synchrony of neurons can be induced not only by the variations of the information transmission delay but also by changing the probability of inhibitory synapses and the rewiring probability. The delay can either promote or destroy synchronization of neuronal activity in the hybrid small-world neuronal network. In particular, regions of synchronization and nonsynchronization appear intermittently as the delay increases. In addition, for smaller and higher probability of inhibitory synapses, the intermittent synchronization transition is relative profound, while for the moderate probability of inhibitory synapses, synchronization transition seems less profound. More importantly, it is found that a suitable rewired network topology can always enhance the synchronized neuronal activity if only the delay is appropriate.

► We study synchronization transitions in hybrid small-world neuronal networks. ► Intermittent synchronization transitions can be induced by the time delay. ► Transition is profound for smaller and higher probability of inhibitory synapses. ► A suitable rewired network topology can enhance the synchronized neuronal activity.