This code models the electrical and biochemical properties of a neuron, specifically focusing on how dendritic and synaptic activities influence calcium dynamics within neuronal structures such as dendrites and spines. The model is designed to explore how variations in certain biophysical parameters affect inhibitory processes, particularly by observing changes in intracellular calcium concentrations in response to backpropagating action potentials (bAP) and synaptic inhibition.
Membrane capacitance refers to the ability of the neuron's membrane to store and separate charge. It affects signal conduction and integration within neurons. Changes in membrane capacitance can influence the temporal characteristics of action potentials and synaptic potential integration.
Axial resistance is the resistance to the flow of electrical current along the internal structure of the neuron, typically along the dendrite or axon. It influences how electrical signals attenuate over distance within the neuron. Variability in Ra can impact the extent and speed of bAPs as they propagate into dendrites and influence synaptic strength and integrative properties of neurons.
The resting leak conductance represents the passive permeability of the membrane to ions, primarily carried by leak channels. It sets the resting membrane potential and can modulate neuronal excitability by affecting the membrane's response to synaptic inputs and its return to baseline after stimulation.
The model monitors calcium dynamics in dendrites and spines in response to bAPs and inhibition. Calcium ions play crucial roles in synaptic plasticity, neurotransmitter release, and intracellular signaling. Changes in intracellular calcium concentrations in response to electrical activity are critical in modulating these physiological processes.
bAPs are action potentials that originate at the axon hillock and propagate back into the dendritic tree. They serve as important signals for synaptic plasticity and calcium signaling, thereby crucial for understanding synaptic integration and information processing in neurons.
Inhibition is modeled by adjusting the weight of synaptic input, allowing the analysis of how inhibitory signals modulate calcium influx and subsequent cellular responses. Inhibitory mechanisms are essential for regulating neuronal excitability and ensuring balanced network activity.
The model includes various gating variables (e.g., m_ca, h_ca) that represent the state of ion channels, specifically calcium channels, in dendrites and spines. These variables determine the opening and closing dynamics of the channels, thus influencing calcium influx in response to voltage changes.
The primary goal is to determine the robustness of the model neuron to parameter changes and to identify parameter ranges that result in significant alterations (10%, 15%, 20%) in the ratio of calcium responses between inhibited and control conditions. By optimizing these parameters, researchers can gain insights into the contributions of biophysical properties to neuronal function and identify potential targets for therapeutic interventions altering synaptic and dendritic dynamics.
This model serves as a valuable tool for understanding the complex interplay between electrical signaling, synaptic integration, and intracellular biochemical changes in neurons.