This code seems to model aspects of neuronal behavior, particularly focusing on synaptic plasticity through spike-timing dependent plasticity (STDP) and synaptic dynamics modulated by specific neural events such as action potentials (APs) and synaptic inputs. Here’s a breakdown of the relevant biological concepts:
The code uses compartments to simulate different parts of neuron(s), which is a common practice in computational neuroscience to replicate the electrical properties of neurons. Each compartment can represent a soma, dendrites, or axons, allowing for detailed simulation of neuronal activity.
The code includes references to the RebekahSims/SpikeMakerSTDP.g module, suggesting the implementation of STDP. STDP is a biological learning rule where the timing of spikes from presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons influences the strength of synapses. If a presynaptic spike arrives at the synapse just before a postsynaptic spike, synaptic strengthening (long-term potentiation, LTP) is likely; if the order is reversed, synaptic weakening (long-term depression, LTD) could occur.
The use of the makeALLpre and makeALLpost functions reflects actions to induce pre- and postsynaptic spikes, aligning with STDP protocols. This reflects a controlled method of simulating learning and memory processes through repeated synaptic activation.
The code indicates handling of action potentials through variables like AP_time, AP_durtime, and inj (possibly indicating synaptic injection or AP initiation). These reflect critical timings and durations pertinent to simulating neuronal excitability and the resulting spike activities that drive synaptic computations.
The code includes calls to stopGlu and stopGABA, suggesting modulation of the synapse by neurotransmitters glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), representing excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission, respectively. This dual modulation can simulate a balance between excitation and inhibition within neural circuits, critical for maintaining neural stability and function.
References to NMDACa and LCa indicate the inclusion of NMDA receptor-mediated calcium dynamics, crucial to synaptic plasticity and memory formation. These receptors are sensitive to both voltage and ligand (glutamate) and play a key role in STDP by modulating calcium influx into the postsynaptic neuron, affecting downstream signaling pathways.
Variables like Hz, isi, upstate_time, and others govern the frequency and timing of synaptic inputs, reflecting natural neural rhythms and patterns that influence synaptic strength and neuronal firing rates. This is vital for simulating realistic network dynamics and neural processing.
The creation of an output file with specific parameters (e.g., SomaVm) reflects a focus on recording and analyzing specific electrophysiological properties of neurons, often related to understanding how synaptic inputs influence membrane potentials and subsequent neural behavior.
Overall, the code models interactions between neurons at a detailed synaptic level, focusing on how timing, neurotransmitter systems, and ionic mechanisms contribute to neural computation and plasticity. These elements mirror biological processes such as learning and memory, where synaptic strength is modified by activity patterns and neuromodulators.