Pyramidal cells in the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) show three characteristic discharge patterns in response tones: pauser, buildup, and regular firing. Experimental evidence suggests that a rapidly inactivating K+ current (I(KIF)) plays a critical role in generating these discharge patterns. To explore the role of I(KIF), we used a computational model based on the biophysical data. The model replicated the dependence of the discharge pattern on the magnitude and duration of hyperpolarizing prepulses, and I(KIF) was necessary to convey this dependence. Experimentally, half-inactivation voltage and kinetics of I(KIF) show wide variability. Varying these parameters in the model ... suggests that pyramidal cells can adjust their sensitivity to different temporal patterns of inhibition and excitation by modulating the kinetics of I(KIF). Overall, I(KIF) is a critical conductance controlling the excitability of DCN pyramidal cells. (See readme.txt and paper for details). Any questions regarding these implementations should be directed to: pmanis@med.unc.edu 2 April 2004 Paul B Manis, Ph.D.
Model Type: Neuron or other electrically excitable cell
Cell Type(s): Cochlear nucleus pyramidal/fusiform GLU cell
Currents: I K; I h; I Sodium; I Potassium
Model Concept(s): Activity Patterns; Temporal Pattern Generation; Synaptic Integration
Simulation Environment: NEURON
Implementer(s): Manis, Paul B [PManis at med.unc.edu]
References:
Kanold PO, Manis PB. (2001). A physiologically based model of discharge pattern regulation by transient K+ currents in cochlear nucleus pyramidal cells. Journal of neurophysiology. 85 [PubMed]
Kanold PO, Manis PB. (1999). Transient potassium currents regulate the discharge patterns of dorsal cochlear nucleus pyramidal cells. The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience. 19 [PubMed]