The following explanation has been generated automatically by AI and may contain errors.
### Biological Basis of the Model
The provided code simulates a pair of Fast-Spiking (FS) neurons interconnected through gap junctions, modeling a network microcircuit often found in the brain. FS neurons, typically a type of GABAergic interneuron, play vital roles in synchronizing neuronal networks and modulating rhythmic activity.
#### Key Biological Features
- **FS Neurons**: These are inhibitory interneurons known for their rapid action potential firing and are primarily responsible for generating fast oscillatory activity in the brain, like gamma rhythms. They are characterized by specific ion channel compositions that allow for quick repolarization.
- **Gap Junctions**: The code indicates that the neurons are connected via gap junctions (electrical synapses), which facilitate direct cytoplasmic connections between the cells, enabling the fast exchange of ions and small molecules. This results in rapid transmission of electrical signals, unlike chemical synapses that rely on neurotransmitter release. This feature is critical for synchronizing the firing of FS neurons.
- **AMPA and GABA Synapses**: The code models synaptic inputs using AMPA (excitatory) and GABA (inhibitory) receptors. Each cell receives a fixed number of AMPA and GABA synapses, reflecting the real-life input these neurons might receive. AMPA receptors mediate fast synaptic transmission in the central nervous system, allowing quick excitatory signals, while GABA receptors provide inhibitory regulation.
- **Random Input and Spike Trains**: The model uses pre-recorded spike trains as inputs to the neurons, referencing `spikeInputFile1` and `spikeInputFile2`, to simulate synaptic activity. This simulates external synaptic input that FS neurons receive in a network, contributing to their dynamic behavior.
#### Simulation Details
- **Time Resolution**: The simulation uses precise time steps (as small as `1e-5 seconds`) for computing voltage changes (`vmOutDt`) and simulating the neuronal response (`simDt`). This granularity is critical for capturing the fast dynamics characteristic of FS neurons.
- **Synaptic Sites**: A specific number of AMPA and GABA synaptic sites per neuron (`nAMPA = 127`, `nGABA = 93`) are defined, representing typical synaptic density these neurons might experience, contributing to understanding how input patterns influence FS neuron activity.
- **Neuronal Output**: The model collects output related to the neuron's membrane potential, reflective of the neuron’s firing behavior in response to received stimuli.
This code paints a picture of how FS neurons form electrically-coupled networks in the brain, receiving a combination of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs and contributing to the synchronization of neuronal firing patterns. These models are essential tools for exploring the complex dynamics of neuronal populations and understanding the role of FS neurons in brain function, such as their contribution to cortical oscillations observed in various brain states.