The code snippet provided is part of a computational neuroscience model which is primarily concerned with simulating synaptic dynamics involving NMDA receptors within a neural network. Here's an overview of the biological basis underlying the model:
NMDA receptors are a type of glutamate receptor and ion channel protein found in neurons. They play a crucial role in synaptic plasticity and memory function due to their ability to allow calcium ions (Ca(^2+)) to flow through the cell membrane. The activation of NMDA receptors is voltage-dependent, requiring both ligand binding (glutamate) and membrane depolarization to relieve the Mg(^{2+}) block.
The model is set up to simulate various neuron types within a network, likely attempting to replicate aspects of cortical or hippocampal circuitry. It includes objects or compartments such as "olm" (possibly oriens-lacunosum moleculare interneurons), "bas" (likely basket cells), and "pyr" (pyramidal cells). Each of these neuron types is characterized by distinct synaptic and dendritic properties.
The script assigns NMDA receptor-related parameters to different compartments or regions of the neurons within the network:
Through the function gSetNMDA(net), the model ensures that each neural component in the network has the specified NMDA receptor properties, presumably to simulate the differential influence of synaptic activity in these areas.
The simulation is set to run for 3000 ms (h.tstop=3e3) with time increment (h.dt) of 0.1 ms. The initial membrane voltage (h.v_init = -65) is set, reflecting the typical resting potential of neurons.
The provided script is part of a larger model aiming to simulate neuronal dynamics, primarily focusing on NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic currents across different neuronal types within a neural network. By setting specific NMDA-related parameters, the model likely explores scenarios relevant to synaptic plasticity, network oscillations, or neural computations.