The provided code models a synaptic current with NMDA receptor-like properties, adding specific features to capture the biophysical behavior of these receptors in neural communication.
NMDA Receptors:
NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors are a subtype of glutamate receptors expressed in the central nervous system. They are ionotropic receptors that form cation channels, permeable to Na(^+), K(^+), and notably, Ca(^{2+}). These receptors play crucial roles in synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory.
Kinetic Scheme:
Exp2Syn
) to represent the rise (tau1
) and decay (tau2
) dynamics of synaptic conductance. This is important as NMDA receptors have distinct temporal profiles with slower gating kinetics compared to AMPA receptors.Voltage Gating and Magnesium Block:
vspom
, which describes the dependency of the open probability on membrane potential (v
) and external magnesium concentration (extMgConc
).Conductance State:
A
and B
to describe the activation and deactivation of the receptor. This is reflective of the 2-state
kinetic model where A -> G -> bath
, mimicking the transition of conductance states in NMDA receptors.Gating Variables:
isOn
), allowing for control over the receptor's active state. This might represent receptor modulation or pharmacological intervention in a biological context.Calcium Permeability:
This model aims to simulate the synaptic currents through NMDA receptors by accounting for dual-exponential kinetics, voltage-dependent magnesium block, and dynamic conductance states. These features collectively reflect the crucial role of NMDA receptors in synaptic transmission and neuroplasticity. The implementation highlights the impact of these receptors in mediating slower excitatory postsynaptic potentials and their physiological and pharmacological modulation.