Biologically inspired circuit model for simulation of acetylcholine gated ion channels of the postsynaptic membrane at synaptic cleft

Abstract

The variable conductance of postsynaptic membrane of neuron dependence on the acetylcholine-receptor binding activity is represented by enzyme modified field effect transistor (ENFET) sensitive to acetylcholine. Acetylcholine sensitive ENFET functions not only as a voltage controlled conductance but can also provide a means of measurement of specific neurotransmitters that bind with the receptor sites of postsynaptic membrane. This analog is incorporated into the famous Hodgkin-Huxley (H-H) model of neuron to substitute the variable Na+ conductance. Simulation is performed in MATLAB environment both for normal (excitatory) and pathologic states and results are presented.