Modelling spiral waves in Xenopus laevis oocyte

Abstract

An investigation was made into the spiral waves solutions for the Atri et al model, a partial differential equation model for Ca²⁺ dynamics in the Xenopus laevis oocyte. Spiral wave solutions, both stable and unstable, were found to exist in the oscillatory regime for this model. The spiral wave solutions were found to have a period that decreased as the initial IP₃ bolus increased. Increasing the initial IP₃ bolus also lead to destabilisation of the spiral waves solutions. After the break up of spiral wave solutions complex spatio-temporal patterns occurred. In some cases spirals reformed after breaking up.