This model was used to study how the architecture of the nociceptor terminal tree affects the input-output relation of the primary nociceptive neurons. The model shows that the input-output properties of the nociceptive neurons depend on the length, the axial resistance, and location of individual terminals and that activation of multiple terminals by a capsaicin-like current allows summation of the responses from individual terminals, thus leading to increased nociceptive output.
Cell Type(s): Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) cell
Currents: I Potassium; I Calcium; I Sodium; I h
Model Concept(s): Action Potentials; Axonal Action Potentials; Nociception
Simulation Environment: NEURON
References:
Barkai O, Butterman R, Katz B, Lev S, Binshtok AM. (2020). The Input-Output Relation of Primary Nociceptive Neurons is Determined by the Morphology of the Peripheral Nociceptive Terminals. The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience. 40 [PubMed]