The provided code models a sodium (Na(^+)) persistent current, commonly referred to as (I_{NaP}), in a neuron. This type of current is an essential component of neuronal signaling and contributes to the subthreshold membrane potential, influencing neuronal excitability and firing patterns. Below are the key biological aspects that the code represents:
Ion Channel: The code models ion movement mediated by sodium (Na(^+)) channels. The persistent sodium current is crucial in modulating excitability in response to subthreshold depolarizations. This differs from transient sodium channels responsible for action potentials, as these channels do not inactivate completely after activation and can sustain depolarization.
Variables: The code manages several gating variables, such as mInf representing the steady-state activation of the channels and h representing the inactivation state. These contribute to determining the conductance of the sodium current.
Activation and Inactivation: The model incorporates gating variables that represent how the channels open and close in response to changes in the membrane potential. Specifically, mInf is considered instantaneous and reflects the steady-state activation, while hInf and hTau govern the inactivation dynamics.
Temperature Sensitivity: The code applies a temperature correction factor (Q10 coefficient) to adjust the kinetic rates, accounting for the difference in physiological temperature (34°C) compared to the original experimental conditions (21°C). This suggests a strong influence of temperature on channel kinetics.
Reversal Potential: The code uses ena, which represents the reversal potential for sodium ions. This is crucial as the driving force for the sodium current is dependent on the difference between the membrane potential and the sodium reversal potential.
Conductance: The maximum specific conductance (gbar) of the channels is specified, and the actual conductance (g) of the current is dynamically calculated based on the product of gbar, mInf (activation), and h (inactivation).
The model aims to capture the behavior of persistent sodium currents under varying physiological conditions, representing a balance between biological realism and computational tractability in understanding neuronal excitability and the influence of temperature on channel kinetics.