The code provided is part of a computational model simulating the effects of synaptic input locations on the generation of plateau potentials in neurons. Plateau potentials are prolonged depolarizations that significantly influence neuronal firing behavior and are typically observed in dendrites. This model particularly focuses on understanding the role of excitatory synaptic inputs, mediated by glutamate receptors, in generating these potentials.
The model divides glutamate input into two receptor pools:
Synaptic weights in this model correspond to the magnitude of conductance changes induced by receptor activation. By manipulating these weights, the model can simulate varying synaptic strengths and examine their impact on neuronal activity and plateau potential formation.
Dendrites are the primary sites for synaptic reception, and the specific location of synaptic inputs can influence neuronal behavior. The model tests how the spatial arrangement of synaptic inputs along basal dendrites affects the generation of plateau potentials.
The simulated synaptic events use randomized delays and specific spatial distribution patterns to mimic biologically realistic synaptic input scenarios.
The model includes an option to simulate the application of Tetrodotoxin (TTX), a known blocker of voltage-gated sodium channels. This allows for the examination of the role sodium channels play in plateau potential generation by observing changes when these channels are inhibited.
The code sets up voltage recordings from the soma and multiple dendritic locations. This multichannel voltage recording mirrors electrophysiological experiments and allows for detailed analysis of the spatial and temporal characteristics of neuronal electrical activity during simulated synaptic activation.
In essence, the code models a neuron with synaptic inputs distributed along its basal dendrites, focusing on the interaction between AMPA and NMDA receptors in generating plateau potentials. By integrating details like receptor distribution, synaptic strength, input location, and ion channel modulation, the model aims to replicate the biochemical and biophysical processes underlying neuronal excitability and synaptic integration in biological neurons.