We developed a complete computer model of the rod, which accurately reproduced the main features of the light response and allowed us to demonstrate that it was suppression of Kx channels that was essential for slowing SLR and increasing excitability of rods. The results reported in this work further establish the importance of Kx channels in rod photoreceptor function.
Model Type: Neuron or other electrically excitable cell
Cell Type(s): Retina photoreceptor cone GLU cell
Currents: I Chloride; I L high threshold; I K; I h; I K,Ca; I Potassium
Model Concept(s): Action Potential Initiation; Oscillations; Action Potentials; Calcium dynamics
Simulation Environment: NEURON
Implementer(s): Kourennyi, Dmitri E [dek at case.edu]; Liu, Xiaodong [xliu22 at jhmi.edu]
References:
Liu XD, Kourennyi DE. (2004). Effects of tetraethylammonium on Kx channels and simulated light response in rod photoreceptors. Annals of biomedical engineering. 32 [PubMed]