Dendritic Na inactivation drives a decrease in ISI (Fernandez et al 2005)

We use a combination of dynamical analysis and electrophysiological recordings to demonstrate that spike broadening in dendrites is primarily caused by a cumulative inactivation of dendritic Na(+) current. We further show that a reduction in dendritic Na(+) current increases excitability by decreasing the interspike interval (ISI) and promoting burst firing.

Model Type: Neuron or other electrically excitable cell

Cell Type(s): ELL pyramidal cell

Currents: I Na,t; I K

Model Concept(s): Activity Patterns; Dendritic Action Potentials; Active Dendrites

Simulation Environment: MATLAB

Implementer(s): Fernandez FR [ffernand at ucalgary.ca]; Mehaffey WH

References:

Fernandez FR, Mehaffey WH, Turner RW. (2005). Dendritic Na+ current inactivation can increase cell excitability by delaying a somatic depolarizing afterpotential. Journal of neurophysiology. 94 [PubMed]