Computational study of endogenous magnetic particles' effect on action potential processing in a Purkinje cell model.

Abstract

Objectives: The study aims to investigate how changes in the conductance of axonal (Na+) and calcium (Ca2+) ion channels affect the generation, course, excitability and firing rate of action potentials in a model of Purkinje cell neurons.

Methods: The NEURON Simulator was utilized with a Purkinje cell model to investigate generation, time to first spike, firing rate and pattern of action potential (AP) as well as neuronal excitability in relation to the influence of magnetic field on axonal ion channels.

Results: The downregulation of axonal Na+ and Ca2+ conductance led to a significant delay in the generation of the first spike, with completely blocked action potential generation when downregulated by 75%. Conversely, upregulation of axonal Na+ and Ca2+ conductance accelerated the emergence of the first spike.

Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that alterations in ion channel conductance influence the timing and generation of action potentials, suggesting that magnetic fields can modulate neuronal behaviour (Tab. 4, Fig. 12, Ref. 34). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: axon, ion channels, conductance, action potential, magnetic field, Purkinje cell.