The code provided models various ionic currents in sensory axons, with a focus on simulating the electrical properties and excitability of these neurons in a manner consistent with biological reality.

Biological Basis

Axonal Ion Channels and Currents

1. Fast Na+ and Persistent Na+ Currents:

   • These currents are primarily responsible for the initiation and propagation of action potentials. Fast Na+ currents rapidly depolarize the axonal membrane, while persistent Na+ currents maintain depolarization for sustained activity.

2. K+ Currents:

   • Fast K+ (Ikf) and Slow K+ (Ik): These currents contribute to membrane repolarization following an action potential. The fast K+ current helps quickly return the membrane to its resting potential, whereas the slow K+ current helps stabilize the resting potential and shape the refractory period.
   • Reversal Potential (EK): The reversal potential (ek, ekf) for K+ is set to -90 mV, reflecting the typical equilibrium potential for potassium in neurons.

3. Leakage Currents (Il):

   • These are non-specific currents that help maintain the resting membrane potential. They are modeled with a reversal potential set to -90 mV.

4. HCN Channels (Ih or Iq):

   • Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels contribute to the stabilization of the resting membrane potential and play a role in modulating rhythmic activity, due to their unique property of being activated by hyperpolarization.

Hodgkin-Huxley Model

The code follows principles from the Hodgkin-Huxley framework, utilizing gating variables (m, h, n) to describe the probability of ion channel states (open, closed). Here, gating variables s, q, and n describe the activation states of the slow K+, HCN, and fast K+ channels, respectively. These variables follow first-order kinetics influenced by voltage-dependent rate constants.

Temperature Dependence

The model incorporates Q10 coefficients to account for temperature-dependent rates of ion channel kinetics, reflecting that biological processes can speed up or slow down with temperature changes.

Reversal Potentials

• Potassium (K+): Integration of reversal potentials showcases realistic ionic gradients across the neuron's membrane, crucial for action potential generation and propagation.

Purpose

The model aims to simulate and understand the behavior of sensory axons under physiological conditions, focusing on ion channel dynamics essential for sensory signal transmission. By considering various ion channel types, gating dynamics, temperature effects, and reversal potentials, the model attempts to capture the complex electrical characteristics of sensory neurons, aiding in insights into their physiological and pathological conditions.

Overall, this code represents an advanced simulation model that captures crucial aspects of neuronal excitability, specific to sensory axons in the median nerve, through the inclusion of multiple ionic currents characterized by biologically plausible parameters.