This is a model of neurons in the brainstem superior paraolivary nucleus (SPN), which produce very salient offset firing during sound stimulation. Rebound offset firing is triggered by IPSPs coming from the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB). This model shows that AP firing can emerge from inhibition through integration of large IPSPs, driven by an extremely negative chloride reversal potential, combined with a large hyperpolarization- activated non-specific cationic current (IH), with a secondary contribution from a T-type calcium conductance (ITCa). As a result, tiny gaps in sound stimuli of just 3-4ms can elicit reliable APs that signal such brief offsets.
Model Type: Neuron or other electrically excitable cell
Cell Type(s): Superior paraolivary nucleus neuron
Currents: I T low threshold; I h
Receptors: Glycine
Genes: HCN Cnga1
Transmitters: Glycine
Model Concept(s): Action Potential Initiation; Action Potentials; Rebound firing
Simulation Environment: NEURON
Implementer(s): Hennig, Matthias H [mhhennig at gmail.com]
References:
Kopp-Scheinpflug C et al. (2011). The sound of silence: ionic mechanisms encoding sound termination. Neuron 71 [PubMed]