Biological Basis of the gskch.mod Code

The provided code models a calcium-activated potassium channel, specifically a small conductance calcium-activated potassium channel (SK channel), which is non-voltage-dependent. These channels play a crucial role in mediating the afterhyperpolarization phase of the neuronal action potential, influencing neuronal excitability and firing patterns.

Key Biological Concepts

1. Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels (SK Channels):

   • These channels are activated by the intracellular calcium concentration rather than changes in membrane potential. They contribute to the regulation of neuronal firing by providing a hyperpolarizing current that follows action potential firing.

2. Calcium Dependence:

   • The channel's activation is directly linked to the concentration of calcium ions (Ca²⁺) within the cell. In the code, total calcium concentration is derived from multiple sources (ncai, lcai, tcai), which are presumably calcium concentrators associated with different types of calcium channels or pathways.

3. Gating Variables and Kinetics:

   • The state variable q represents the gating dynamics of the channel, reflecting how open the channel is. The steady-state value (qinf) and the time constant (qtau) describe how q approaches its steady state in response to changes in calcium concentration.
   • The model incorporates temperature effects through the q10 factor, adjusting the kinetics based on the specified temperature (celsius).

4. Currents and Conductance:

   • The primary output from this model is the potassium current (isk), calculated as a function of channel conductance (gsk) and the difference between membrane potential (v) and the equilibrium potential for potassium (esk).
   • The conductance gsk is scaled by the square of the gating variable q, indicating that the channel opening probability significantly affects the current flow.

5. Physiological Relevance:

   • SK channels are crucial in shaping action potentials and controlling neuronal excitability. By responding to calcium signals, they provide feedback mechanisms that adjust neural activity in response to calcium influx, stabilizing firing rates and preventing excessive neuronal activation.

Overall, the gskch.mod code serves to model the biophysical properties of SK channels, focusing on their calcium-dependent activation and contribution to ion currents that modulate neuronal firing behavior. Through these mechanisms, SK channels help regulate periods of neural activity and silence, contributing to processes like synaptic modulation and rhythm generation.