Modeling reflex asymmetries with implicit delay differential equations

Abstract

Neuromuscular reflexes with time-delayed negative feedback, such as the pupil light reflex, have different rates depending on the direction of movement. This asymmetry is modeled by an implicit first-order delay differential equation in which the value of the rate constant depends on the direction of movement. Stability analyses are presented for the cases when the rate is: (1) an increasing and (2) a decreasing function of the direction of movement. It is shown that the stability of equilibria in these dynamical systems depends on whether the rate constant is a decreasing or increasing function. In particular, when the asymmetry has the shape of an increasing step function, it is possible to have stability which is independent of the value of the time delay or the steepness (i.e., gain) of the negative feedback.