Cooperation of intrinsic bursting and calcium oscillations underlying activity patterns of model pre-Bötzinger complex neurons

J Comput Neurosci. 2013 Apr;34(2):345-66. doi: 10.1007/s10827-012-0425-5. Epub 2012 Sep 28.

Abstract

Activity of neurons in the pre-Bötzinger complex (pre-BötC) within the mammalian brainstem drives the inspiratory phase of the respiratory rhythm. Experimental results have suggested that multiple bursting mechanisms based on a calcium-activated nonspecific cationic (CAN) current, a persistent sodium (NaP) current, and calcium dynamics may be incorporated within the pre-BötC. Previous modeling works have incorporated representations of some or all of these mechanisms. In this study, we consider a single-compartment model of a pre-BötC inspiratory neuron that encompasses particular aspects of all of these features. We present a novel mathematical analysis of the interaction of the corresponding rhythmic mechanisms arising in the model, including square-wave bursting and autonomous calcium oscillations, which requires treatment of a system of differential equations incorporating three slow variables.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Calcium Signaling / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Mathematics
  • Models, Neurological*
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Respiratory Center / cytology*