The model describes the modulation of firing properties of DA neurons by acetylcholine (ACh) and nicotine in 5 cases: knock-out of ß2-containing nAChRs, ß2-containing nAChRs only on DA neurons, the nAChRs only on GABA neurons, the nAChRs on both DA and GABA neurons and “wild” type (the AChRs on DA, GABA and Glu neurons). The distinct responses to ACh and nicotine could be explained by distinct temporal patterns of these inputs: pulsatile vs. continuous.
Model Type: Neuron or other electrically excitable cell
Cell Type(s): Ventral tegmental area dopamine neuron; Ventral tegmental area GABA neuron
Currents: I K,Ca; I Calcium; I K
Receptors: Cholinergic Receptors
Transmitters: Acetylcholine; Gaba; Dopamine; Glutamate
Model Concept(s): Bursting
Simulation Environment: MATLAB
Implementer(s): Morozova, Ekaterina O [emorozov at indiana.edu]
References:
Morozova E, Faure P, Gutkin B, Lapish C, Kuznetsov A. (2020). Distinct Temporal Structure of Nicotinic ACh Receptor Activation Determines Responses of VTA Neurons to Endogenous ACh and Nicotine eNeuro. 7 [PubMed]