The provided code models the persistent sodium current (NaP), which is a non-inactivating component of sodium currents in neurons. This current plays a crucial role in neuronal excitability, particularly at subthreshold potentials. Below are the key biological aspects captured by the code:

Sodium Channels and Neuronal Excitability

• Ions: The code is focused on the sodium ion (Na⁺) dynamics, crucial for generating and propagating action potentials. The 'USEION na' syntax indicates that the model reads the reversal potential for sodium (ena) and writes the sodium current (ina), which regulates the flow of Na⁺ across the neuronal membrane.

• Persistent Sodium Current (NaP): Unlike the transient sodium currents responsible for the rapid depolarization phase of action potentials, the NaP current is characterized by its ability to activate at subthreshold membrane potentials and remain active over extended periods. This persistent activity can influence the neuron's responsiveness to synaptic inputs, contribute to slow depolarizations, and modulate repetitive firing.

• Gating Variables and Dynamics:

  • Activation (m) and Inactivation (h): The model uses gating variables m and h to represent the activation and inactivation states of NaP channels, respectively. These variables follow first-order kinetics, where their dynamics are governed by their time constants (tau_m and tau_h) and steady-state values (m_inf and h_inf).
  • Voltage Dependence: The model factors in voltage dependence through expressions that modify the gating variables based on the membrane potential (v). This aspect is critical, as the NaP channels show complex voltage-dependent characteristics which facilitate their activity at subthreshold levels.
  • Temperature Adjustment: The model includes temperature dependence using a Q10 factor, reflecting the temperature sensitivity of biochemical processes, which is biologically relevant for accurate simulation of physiological conditions.

• Adjustment Parameters (vtraub, vsm, vsh, gamma): These parameters are used to fine-tune the voltage-dependent properties of the NaP channels, allowing them to accurately reflect conditions in specific neuron types, as referenced to being adjusted to hippocampal pyramidal cells as per Traub's convention.

Overall Biological Context

The persistent sodium current modeled in this code contributes significantly to neuronal behaviors such as bistability, resonance, and the generation of rhythmic bursting activity due to its sustained and subthreshold depolarizing effect. This behavior is synergistic with persistent calcium currents to prolong subthreshold depolarization, influencing the firing properties and integration of synaptic inputs. Understanding and simulating NaP is relevant for studying its roles in various physiological and pathological conditions, such as epilepsy and pain, where altered persistent sodium currents can lead to hyperexcitability.