Our theoretical model provides a simple description of neuronal electrical activity that takes into account the tonic activity of extrasynaptic NMDA receptors and a cytosolic calcium compartment. We show that calcium influx mediated by the tonic activity of NMDA-R can be coupled directly to the activation of calcium-activated potassium channels, resulting in an overall inhibitory effect on neuronal excitability. Furthermore, the presence of tonic NMDA-R activity promotes bistability in electrical activity by dramatically increasing the stimulus interval where both a stable steady state and repetitive firing can coexist. These results could provide an intrinsic mechanism for the constitution of memory traces in neuronal circuits.
Model Type: Neuron or other electrically excitable cell
Region(s) or Organism(s): Cerebellum
Cell Type(s): Cerebellum interneuron granule GLU cell
Currents: I Calcium; I K,Ca; I Sodium; I K
Receptors: NMDA
Transmitters: Glutamate
Model Concept(s): Memory; Action Potential Initiation; Calcium dynamics; Aging/Alzheimer`s
Simulation Environment: FORTRAN
Implementer(s): Gall, David ; Dupont, Geneviève
References:
Gall D, Dupont G. (2019). Tonic Activation of Extrasynaptic NMDA Receptors Decreases Intrinsic Excitability and Promotes Bistability in a Model of Neuronal Activity. International journal of molecular sciences. 21 [PubMed]