Serotonergic modulation of the afterhyperpolarization (AHP) contributes to the regulation of the excitability of the leech S cell, a neuron critical for sensitization of the shortening reflex. Pharmacological and physiological data suggest that three currents contribute to the S cell's afterhyperpolarization: a charybdotoxin-sensitive, fast calcium-dependent potassium current (fAHP); a tubocurare-sensitive, calcium-dependent potassium current (mAHP); and, a saxitoxin-sensitive, afterdepolarization current (ADP). This single-compartment model of the S cell is constructed using fAHP, mAHP and ADP currents, and shows that reduction of the conductances to mimic the effects of serotonin is sufficient to enhance excitability (repetitive firing).
Model Type: Axon
Cell Type(s): Leech S cell
Currents: I Na,t; I L high threshold; I K; I K,leak; I K,Ca; I Sodium
Simulation Environment: SNNAP
Implementer(s): Crisp, Kevin [crisp at stolaf.edu]
References:
Burrell BD, Crisp KM. (2008). Serotonergic modulation of afterhyperpolarization in a neuron that contributes to learning in the leech. Journal of neurophysiology. 99 [PubMed]